The 2026 budget deliberations are still a few months away, but this early, House Speaker Martin Romualdez has assured the continued funding for 20,000 new public school teaching positions next year and beyond.

Romualdez made the assurance Wednesday, June 25, as he described the initiative of the Marcos administration as a transformative step that serves both the education sector and the broader goal of national job creation.

“All 20,000 new teaching items are about changing lives, not just addressing the shortage of teachers in our classrooms. Each position filled means a teacher in front of students who need guidance, and a Filipino family with a new source of income, dignity and hope,” Romualdez declared.

The new teaching positions in the Department of Education (DepEd) headed by its secretary, Sonny Angara are listed under the current 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), or national budget.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has confirmed that the funding will come from DepEd's Built-in Appropriations under the “New School Personnel Positions” program for fiscal year 2025.

The Speaker committed that the House will not only protect this funding during its implementation but will ensure its continuity in the 2026 budget and beyond.

The House, which possesses the power of the purse, is expected to begin tackling next year's proposed budget in August, or after the lawmakers recovene for the 20th Congress.

The leader of the 306-strong legislative chamber expressed gratitude to President Marcos for his strong commitment to strengthening the education system and for recognizing that education reform must begin with the people who deliver it: the teachers.

“We thank the President for championing this initiative. This is what leadership looks like: one that understands that the future begins in every classroom,” Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative, said.

He also lauded Angara for his hands-on approach and deep understanding of the systemic challenges in the education sector.

“Secretary Angara brought not only data but vision, backed by years of legislative work on education. Under his leadership, we know these funds will be translated into real results on the ground,” Romualdez said.

'A bold job-generation program'

The Speaker emphasized that Congress approved the DepEd and the executive's proposal with overwhelming support during the 2025 budget deliberations, precisely because the solons understood both the educational and economic value of the measure.

“Let’s be clear: this is not just an education initiative. It’s also a bold job-generation program. We are creating 20,000 permanent government positions. That means 20,000 families with new income, thousands of education graduates finally landing their first job, and hope returning to homes across the country,” Romualdez explained.

Romualdez pointed out that many of these new teachers will be coming from provinces and rural areas, where employment opportunities are limited.

“We are giving our people a reason to stay and serve in their communities. This also helps local economies and strengthens our public school system from the grassroots up,” he added.