Imus: Sen. Bam Aquino on Thursday announced that more than 27 million learners across K-12 and tertiary levels are set to benefit from the proposed PHP1.38-trillion education budget for 2026, marking it as the largest in Philippine history.

According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino emphasized that this unprecedented allocation signifies a national commitment to enhancing classrooms, feeding programs, and providing free higher education. He stated, "Over 27 million students po diyan sa K-12 at the tertiary ang mabibigyan po ng tulong (Over 27 million K-12 and tertiary students will receive assistance)." These remarks were made during an interview at the 2025 Cavite Entrepreneurship Students Conference in Imus.

The proposed budget allocation includes PHP65 billion for classroom development, PHP27 billion earmarked for the school feeding program, and funds to ensure free college education for over five million students in the upcoming year. Despite the significant budget proposal, Aquino highlighted that the allocation remains tentative until it is finalized by the bicameral conference committee and subsequently signed into law by the President.

Aquino further urged the public to actively engage and monitor the budget process, stating, "Malaki po ang nalaan sa pondo para sa edukasyon pero hindi pa po tapos iyong laban (A large amount has been allotted for education, but the fight is not yet over)." He encouraged citizens to keep a close watch on the proceedings, noting that, "Sama-sama nating bantayan iyong bicam. For the first time, naka-livestream po ito (Let us monitor the bicam together. For the first time, it is being livestreamed)."