The Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding its subsidy program for students enrolled in private schools, targeting more than 2.4 million beneficiaries for School Year 2026–2027 under the expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-GASTPE).

Of the total target, about 990,000 Junior High School students will be covered under the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) program, while around 1.47 million Senior High School learners will benefit from the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP).

DepEd said the continued expansion of the program aims to help ease the financial burden of families while also decongesting public schools.

In a statement on Friday, May 1, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative supports the government’s broader effort to make education more accessible, especially for low-income households.

“Hindi dapat tumigil ang pag-aaral ng isang bata dahil lang sa kakulangan sa pera. Ang tulong ng pamahalaan ay dapat makarating sa mga pamilyang pinaka nangangailangan. These subsidies are meant to keep children in school (A child’s education should not stop just because of lack of money. Government assistance should reach the families who need it most. These subsidies are meant to keep children in school),” Angara said.

DepEd has also issued revised guidelines for E-GASTPE, consolidating the implementation of ESC, SHS-VP, and the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) under a unified framework.

Under the updated policy, greater priority will be given to learners from low-income families, Indigenous Peoples communities, and those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, or groups that are often at higher risk of dropping out due to financial constraints.

While the bulk of beneficiaries are students, DepEd said support for private school teachers will continue through the TSS, which has been increased to ₱24,000 from ₱18,000.

The adjustment aims to help improve teaching quality in private schools that accommodate subsidized learners.

DepEd said the expansion responds to persistent cost pressures faced by families, including transportation, uniforms, and tuition fees, particularly those just above the poverty line.

The education department also linked the program to broader system challenges, saying that overcrowding in public schools continues to affect learning conditions.

By supporting enrollment in private institutions, DepEd said it helps balance student distribution while maintaining education quality across both sectors.

Under the revised policy, beneficiary selection will also be tightened, with more systematic screening and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that government assistance reaches students who are most in need.

DepEd said the role of private schools remains critical in expanding access to education, describing the partnership as a practical approach to easing pressure on the public education system.

The updated guidelines will be implemented under DepEd Order No. 11, series of 2026, starting School Year 2026–2027.