REPRESENTATIVE Jude Acidre, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and Co-Chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), has welcomed the proposed ₱1.38 trillion allocation for the education sector in 2026.
The allocation, equivalent to approximately 4.5% of the country’s GDP, signals a strong commitment from the government to prioritize education in national development.
Rep. Acidre emphasized that this unprecedented level of support reflects the government’s seriousness in addressing challenges facing the education system. He noted that EDCOM II, under the leadership of Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, has consistently highlighted the urgency of addressing learning recovery, improving sector governance, upgrading facilities, and strengthening support for teachers and school leaders. The proposed budget indicates that these priorities are now being met with the necessary resources.
Rep. Acidre also acknowledged the crucial role of the Department of Education, led by Secretary Sonny Angara, which receives the largest share of the allocation. The proposed funding will support vital programs such as ARAL, classroom construction and rehabilitation, school-based feeding, teacher hiring, and the ongoing modernization of basic education. These reforms align with the recommendations of EDCOM II and the long-term direction set by Congress.
Rep. Acidre stressed the importance of careful stewardship of the budget, calling for efficient use of resources, strong coordination among agencies, and ensuring that every investment contributes to real improvements in learning outcomes. He highlighted that effective implementation is crucial to translating this historic allocation into lasting progress for students and schools.
The proposed allocations will also strengthen the momentum behind the Committee’s core Higher Education Legislative Agenda, from modernizing CHED’s governance and expanding student access and retention, to advancing digital transformation, institutionalizing micro-credentials and lifelong learning pathways, strengthening the quality assurance and qualifications framework, and deepening higher education–industry partnerships.
Rep. Acidre concluded that the ₱1.38 trillion budget is a statement of national resolve, affirming the belief that education is the strongest foundation for inclusive growth and the most important investment in the Filipino people. He committed to working closely with education agencies and EDCOM II to ensure that the allocation results in meaningful progress for every Filipino learner.
