DepEd notes higher MOOE budget for 2026

The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a significant increase in the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) budget for public schools in 2026, aimed at improving classroom resources and addressing rising operational costs.

“Ang malaking dagdag-pondo na ito ay malinaw na mensahe ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na prayoridad natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga paaralan at ang pagbibigay ng sapat na resources para sa ating mga mag-aaral,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

(This large increase in funding is a clear message from President Bongbong Marcos that the welfare of our schools and the provision of sufficient resources for students are top priorities.)

The MOOE per learner in elementary schools rose to P2,792 in 2026, up from P2,140 in 2025, DepEd said.

Junior high schools also saw an increase, with MOOE allocation per learner rising from P2,201 in 2025 to P2,631 in 2026.

Meanwhile, funding for senior high school increased to P3,264 per learner in 2026 from P2,784 in 2025.

“Sa pagbuhos natin ng pondo diretso sa ating mga eskwelahan, tinitiyak natin na may sapat na kagamitan at suporta ang ating mga guro at mag-aaral para magtagumpay at makamit ang kanilang buong potensyal,” Angara said.

(By channeling funds directly to schools, we are ensuring that teachers and students have adequate resources and support to succeed and reach their full potential.)

DepEd said it is moving away from a rigid and complex funding formula in favor of the Simplified Normative Funding Formula (SNFF).

The SNFF uses enrollment figures and basic school data to determine the minimum budget needed for schools to meet service standards.

“It is more practical and aims to make funding fairer and faster to distribute. Instead of focusing on per capita costs, the normative approach identifies the essential resources and services every school needs to function effectively,” DepEd said.

The agency has been granted a P1.015-trillion budget for 2026, the largest allocation in its history.

This also marks the first time the Philippines has met UNESCO’s benchmark of allocating at least 4% of GDP to education.—MCG, GMA News