Angara criticizes moves to discredit DepEd

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara has criticized attempts to discredit the Department of Education (DepEd) following alleged efforts to link the agency to controversy.

“Got info a known columnist is looking for dirt on us in DepEd. Good luck,” he posted on X yesterday.

Angara did not name the columnist.

Earlier, Angara denounced claims dragging his late father, former Senate president Edgardo Angara, into a supposed network allegedly facilitating budget insertions for kickbacks.

The alleged network reportedly included Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Faye Condez de Sagon, former DepEd undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, former budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman, budget undersecretary Wilford Wong and Ronald Ang.

Angara emphasized that among the five individuals named, only Olaivar had served at the DepEd, underscoring what he described as a lack of any coherent link to substantiate the allegations.

The claims sought to tie the alleged network to the tenure of the late senator.

Infrastructure boost

In a separate development, DepEd yesterday welcomed the Senate’s move to allocate P85.41 billion for basic education facilities in 2026, describing it as a decisive boost for President Marcos’ push toward a more resilient and modern school system.

Angara said the substantial increase from this year’s P28.06 billion demonstrates strong confidence in ongoing reforms aimed at accelerating procurement, strengthening partnerships and expanding construction modalities.

“The message is clear that the government is ready to bet on the youth. As long as there is funding and reform, we can build schools faster,” Angara said.

Senators Bam Aquino and Win Gatchalian echoed this, noting that with a larger budget, DepEd can test and scale construction methods that deliver the fastest and most cost-effective results.

Gatchalian also emphasized that DepEd’s budget utilization now reflects its actual performance, as school-building projects previously handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways are no longer included in its metrics.

The Senate-approved funding significantly expands DepEd’s capacity to build and rehabilitate schools.

About P65.98 billion was allocated for classroom construction, replacement, technical-vocational laboratories and water and sanitation facilities, supporting 24,527 new classrooms with furniture, far beyond the 4,869 proposed under the National Expenditure Program.

Rehabilitation funds also increased to P7.73 billion, enabling repairs for 11,886 classrooms, while the allocation for buffer or replacement furniture rose to P3.69 billion, equivalent to 25,451 sets.

Funding was likewise secured for property leasing and the completion of unfinished classrooms.

Other budget components aim to strengthen the learning environment and expand inclusive education programs to benefit around one million learners nationwide.

The P1-billion library hubs program will roll out 72 hubs nationwide and Special Needs Education will expand its inclusive learning resource centers to 16 sites.

Meanwhile, P2 billion was allotted for medium-rise school buildings to complete three multi-story facilities in dense and fast-growing communities.

“What the Senate approved gives us room to build faster, repair smarter and deliver better. If we act together – government, LGUs, community – change in our schools will accelerate,” Angara added.

Aside from the infrastructure package, the Senate also approved another P5.1 billion to improve internet access and electrification in schools next year.

Under the Senate version of the national budget, P1.5 billion will connect roughly 12,000 public schools that still lack internet access.

Another P3.6 billion was earmarked for the electrification of around 6,000 unenergized or off-grid schools, addressing a long-standing barrier to digital learning and modern classroom operations.

Earlier, P5 billion was appropriated for the DICT’s public internet access program.

A special provision ensures that free internet services will prioritize DepEd schools as well as state universities and colleges.

Gatchalian noted that the combined allocations will cover at least half of the nationwide requirements for school electrification and connectivity, adding that the government aims to power and connect all public schools within two years.

Sen. Pia Cayetano lauded Angara for steering key reforms in the education agency.

“I just have to express my full support… I fully trust that DepEd is in good hands… He has done some good work in DepEd and we are very proud of all his accomplishments,” Cayetano said.