The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Friday, Nov. 8, that it has successfully defended its budget in the Senate following deliberations at the plenary level.
In a statement, DepEd confirmed the Senate’s approval of its P793.740-billion budget for next year on Nov. 7, with Senator Pia Cayetano as the budget sponsor.
Under the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), DepEd and its attached agencies will receive an allocation of P793.740 billion, reflecting a 3.99 percent increase from the agency’s budget in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
DepEd noted that the approved budget will support its five-point agenda under Secretary Sonny Angara.
According to DepEd, this agenda aligns with President Marcos’ directives, broadly covering the creation of a conducive learning environment, efficient learning delivery, teacher upskilling, student employability preparation, and achievement level improvement.
Meanwhile, DepEd highlighted that several programs have received significant funding boosts.
These include Basic Education Facilities (P36.81 billion), Basic Education Curriculum (P3.69 billion), Early Language Literacy and Numeracy (P106.23 million), Physical Fitness and School Sports (P479.17 million), and the Implementation of the Grant of Cash Allowance, Hardship Pay, and Reclassification of Positions (P19.77 billion).
Additionally, funds are allocated to DepEd’s attached agencies, including the National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), National Museum of the Philippines, Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD), and the National Academy of Sports (NAS).
Following the Senate plenary hearing, DepEd said its 2025 budget will proceed to bicameral deliberations before final approval by the President.
In her sponsorship speech, Cayetano emphasized the importance of being “sustainable but also resilient to future challenges, all while considering intergenerational fairness.”
“This means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations,” she added.