Angara: Proposed 2026 budget designed to deliver results in classrooms

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Tuesday the proposed 2026 national budget ratified by Congress was designed to ensure that government spending produces clear and measurable gains in student learning.

Angara described the 2026 budget process as among the most transparent in history, stressing that allocations were closely reviewed to make sure funds are directed to programs that directly affect classrooms, teachers, and learners under the Department of Education (DepEd).

"Isa ito sa pinaka-transparent na budget process sa kasaysayan kaya't makikita natin talaga kung saan napupunta ang pondo, anong proyekto ang tinatamaan, at ano ang inaasahang maihahatid," Angara said.

(This is one of the most transparent budget processes in history, allowing us to clearly see where funds go, which projects are covered, and what outcomes are expected.)

He stressed that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed agencies to scrutinize the budget to ensure accountability and tangible outcomes, particularly as education reforms are accelerated.

"Sa panig ng Pangulo, malinaw ang utos na busisiin ang budget at tiyaking bawat piso ay may malinaw na balik sa pagkatuto ng mga bata, lalo na habang pinapabilis ang mga repormang pang-edukasyon na dapat direktang maramdaman sa loob ng silid-aralan at mga guro," Angara added.

(From the President's side, there is a clear directive to thoroughly review the budget and ensure that every peso yields concrete returns in children's learning, especially as education reforms are being accelerated and should be directly felt in classrooms and by teachers.)

The proposed P6.79-trillion national spending program for 2026 keeps education as the government's top investment priority. 

The ratified national budget bill is currently undergoing final review by the President ahead of his expected signing in early January 2026.

The DepEd said the 2026 budget structure reflects a shift toward results-based and transparent spending, with the department aiming to deliver more visible improvements in learning conditions, school facilities, and instructional support in the coming year. — VDV, GMA Integrated News