DepEd decries lack of additional funding

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is receiving more responsibilities without a budget increase.

In a statement yesterday, the agency said addressing the Philippines’ literacy challenges requires funding that matches the actual costs and scale of its expanding responsibilities.

Citing the Constitution, the DepEd said education should be given the highest budgetary priority.

Some landmark laws were enacted without sustained financial support, such as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, career progression system for public school teachers and school leaders, Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act and Alternative Learning System Act, the DepEd pointed out.

The ARAL program requires P9.6 billion, but it has a P3.3-billion funding gap in 2026, the agency noted.

About P1.8 billion in internal savings has been reallocated by the DepEd for the program’s tutorial modules and teacher training.