TACLOBAN CITY — House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and EDCOM II Co-Chair Rep. Jude Acidre welcomed the proposed P1.38-trillion budget for education in 2026, calling it a “historic investment” and a clear indication of the government’s commitment to prioritizing education.
The allocation—about 4.5% of the country’s GDP—is the largest in Philippine history and aims to address critical challenges such as learning recovery, facility upgrades, governance improvements, and enhanced support for teachers and school leaders.
Acidre credited the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), led by Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, for advocating evidence-based reforms that influenced the proposed budget.
He highlighted that a significant portion of the funds will go to the Department of Education, supporting initiatives like the ARAL learning recovery program, classroom construction, school-based feeding, teacher hiring, and modernization of the basic education system.
For higher education and technical-vocational training, the budget will strengthen reforms under the Committee’s legislative agenda, including CHED governance modernization, expanded student access programs, digital transformation, micro-credentialing, and stronger partnerships between institutions and industry.
“Every peso must translate to real improvements in learning outcomes,” Acidre stressed, emphasizing careful fund management, inter-agency coordination, and efficient program implementation.
Describing the P1.38 trillion allocation as more than a number, he said, “It is a statement of national resolve. Education remains the country’s most important investment for inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.”
Acidre affirmed his commitment to work closely with education agencies and EDCOM II to ensure the historic funding yields meaningful progress for Filipino learners across all levels.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
