DepEd seeks bigger 2027 budget to fund teachers, classrooms and learning recovery

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 07, 2026

Photo Courtesy: SONNY ANGARA/FACEBOOK

PHILIPPINES – The Department of Education is asking Congress for more funding to keep critical education reforms moving, proposing a PHP975.96-billion budget for 2027 while seeking another PHP145.19 billion for programs left unfunded in the national budget proposal.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara presented the department’s proposed spending plan before the House Committee on Appropriations, stressing that the additional funds are needed to strengthen support for teachers and learners and sustain ongoing reforms.

Personnel Services would receive the biggest share at PHP766.74 billion, an 8.64-percent increase that includes funding for salaries and career progression. Of this, PHP12.09 billion is earmarked to promote more than 135,000 teachers and school heads under the Expanded Career Progression system.

But beyond salaries, DepEd is also looking to address the country’s classroom shortage, with PHP17.31 billion proposed to build 4,900 classrooms and another PHP7.33 billion to repair 11,100 existing rooms.

Learning recovery remains another major priority. DepEd is seeking PHP15.98 billion for the ARAL program, which would support tutors, teaching overload honoraria, learning materials, summer learning activities and remediation efforts.

The department is also asking for additional funds to expand its workforce, including 14,274 teachers and around 59,000 non-teaching personnel, along with stronger investments in school security, feeding programs, health and mental health services, and support for learners in remote and vulnerable communities.

However, some major spending categories are facing reductions under the proposed 2027 budget. Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses would drop by 15.9 percent, while Capital Outlay would plunge by 67.49 percent.

That is why Angara is appealing for the restoration of funding for programs he considers critical. Among these are school security measures worth PHP8.68 billion, including guards, metal detectors, walkthrough scanners and perimeter fences.

For DepEd, the budget debate is ultimately about more than numbers, it is about whether the government can provide the classrooms, teachers, learning support and safe schools needed to keep millions of Filipino students from falling further behind.