Manila: Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday lauded lawmakers for approving amendments to the proposed 2026 budget that would significantly expand resources for priority education programs. In a statement, Angara said the additional funding would help ensure the delivery of priority programs and advance quality and inclusive education.

According to Philippines News Agency, Angara issued the statement after the House Committee on Appropriations' Budget Amendments Review Sub-Committee approved increases aligned with the Department of Education's (DepEd) budget wishlist. This includes a PHP22.5-billion boost for Basic Education Facilities to fast-track the construction, completion, and rehabilitation of classrooms, as well as the procurement of school furniture. The new allocation also authorizes local government units (LGUs) and public-private partnerships (PPP) to serve as partners in classroom construction.

Angara expressed gratitude towards Congress for increasing the education budget, highlighting the significance of the additional classrooms, chairs, and feeding programs in improving school conditions. Among the amendments are additional allocations for basic education facilities, pegged at PHP22.5 billion, alongside the approval of DepEd's request to include LGUs and PPP as partner implementers of classroom construction.

The School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) also received PHP1.88 billion in additional funds, in addition to the PHP11.8 billion under the National Expenditure Program, to provide nutritious meals to millions of learners in public schools and improve learning outcomes. Other approved amendments include PHP306 million for the Alternative Learning System and Flexible Learning Program, PHP193 million for the Special Needs Education Program, PHP79.6 million for the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) Program, and PHP26.25 million for the Madrasah Education Program.

Under the ARAL program, lawmakers likewise approved additional support for public school teachers, including PHP579.5 million for overload pay and PHP984 million for the compensation of non-DepEd tutors. The ARAL program is DepEd's recovery initiative to support struggling learners through tutorial services.

With the additional funds in place, Angara underscored the importance of ensuring swift and proper implementation to deliver immediate results. He emphasized the need for proper execution to catch up with delayed projects and allow learners and teachers to immediately feel the results.