Philippines DepEd Seeks P147.93 Billion Boost as Senate Considers 2027 Budget

In the wake of the House’s 2027 general appropriations bill allocating P967. 23 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd), the Senate is now reviewing its own version of the 2027 budget. DepEd has asked the Senate for an additional P147. 93 billion to fund key programs for the next fiscal year. The request focuses on expanding the school‑based feeding program, which the Senate could raise to universal coverage for kindergarten through Grade 3, and on the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, currently unfunded in the National Expenditure Program. DepEd also seeks P8. 18 billion for school safety and security, and a reallocation of nearly P13 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways to support classroom construction. Senator Bam Aquino, chair of the Senate finance subcommittee, has called for an education budget that reaches 4 % of GDP and will present the proposal in the upcoming plenary on November 24.