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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bam Aquino: Filipino youth, education win big in 2026 national budget

Bam Aquino: Filipino youth, education win big in 2026 national budget

Published Dec 30, 2025 05:12 pm

At A Glance

  • The senator, who voted in favor of the ratification of the 2026 national budget, noted that P1.35-trillion has been earmarked for education—the largest education fund in Philippine history.


The bicameral conference committee approved version of the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 marks a major victory for education and the Filipino youth, Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV said on Tuesday, December 30.

Senator Bam Aquino (Facebook)
Senator Bam Aquino (Facebook)

Aquino, who voted in favor of the ratification of the 2026 national budget noted that P1.35-trillion has been earmarked for education—the largest education fund in Philippine history.

This historic allocation will translate into concrete support for students nationwide, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education said.

“More students will benefit from additional classrooms and free meals, as well as increased funding for free college, and financial assistance for RLE for nursing and health science students,” Aquino said.

Under the bicameral version of the budget bill, P67-billion has been earmarked for the implementation of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Free College Law, a measure Aquino had authored.

The amount includes additional funding for Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) or allowance for underprivileged students.

The 2026 budget also allocates P68-billion for classroom construction (up from P18 billion), and P25.6 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program (up from P11.7 billion).

Also included in next year’s budget is the allocation of P500-million under the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the Higher Education Development Program, specifically allotted for Financial Support for RLE Requirements in Allied Health Sciences Programs.

In light of this, the lawmaker said he is grateful to the various groups and individuals who monitored and helped safeguard the budget process.

“But our duty does not end here. We must continue to be vigilant to ensure that the funds are used properly and do not end up in the pockets of corrupt government officials,” Aquino said.

“Together, let us ensure that the funds go to education—not corruption,” he added.

Related Tags

Bam Aquino 2026 DepEd budget 2026 national budget
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