DepEd gets zero budget for hiring new teachers in 2027

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 08, 2026

Photo courtesy: DepEd Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) may be unable to hire additional public school teachers in 2027 after its proposed budget provided no funding for new Teacher I positions, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

During a House Committee on Appropriations hearing on September 7, Angara confirmed that the proposed 2027 budget carries zero allocation for the hiring of additional teachers. He said DepEd is hoping Congress will restore funding as lawmakers continue deliberations on the national budget.

Angara said the department still faces a shortage of around 14,274 teachers, which would require approximately P4.29 billion to address. The amount is included in DepEd’s list of additional funding requests to Congress.

The education chief noted that DepEd received funding to hire 32,000 teachers in 2026, higher than its usual annual hiring level of about 20,000.

While new teacher hiring was left unfunded under the current proposal, the 2027 budget provides P12.09 billion for the Expanded Career Progression System, which is expected to support the promotion and reclassification of about 135,000 teachers and school personnel.

The Department of Budget and Management has proposed about P975.96 billion for DepEd in 2027. The proposed national budget is still subject to congressional deliberations, meaning lawmakers may add funding for new teaching positions before the spending measure is finalized.