House Approves P975.96 Billion DepEd Budget for 2027 Amid Program Funding Concerns

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved the proposed P975.96 billion budget for the Department of Education (DepEd) for fiscal year 2027. This allocation for the Education Department represents 13.55% of the proposed national budget for 2027, according to Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora. “Once again, this single largest allocation of any department in the government as part of the education sector, consistent with the mandate of the Constitution,” Zamora said. “It affirms that this house and this admin continue to treat education not as an expense but as the nation's most important investment,” she added. Under DepEd’s budget, the highlighted major items include the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), government assistance and subsidies, and teacher promotion. The SBFP was allocated P11.4 billion, eyed to provide public school learners with nutritious meals, addressing malnutrition while improving classroom attendance. ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio highlighted a 55% slash to the feeding program’s funding, while Gabriela Party-list Representative Sarah Elago pointed out a P14-billion overall drop in its allocation. When asked how the budget cut would impact operations, Zamora explained that the feeding program’s duration will be trimmed from 180 days to 120 days and restricted primarily to kindergarten students. “This will affect the number of days in the implementation, so instead na nasa 180 days magiging 120 days na lang 'yung implementation and will be limited only for kindergarten learners in terms of universal coverage,” Zamora said. In 2026, the SBFP received a P25.7-billion budget. Elago urged fellow lawmakers to restore the program’s funding to its 2026 level to prevent a reduction in services. “Sinusuportahan ng representasyon na ito ang pagre-restore ng pondo para dito sa School-Based Feeding Program doon sa level niya sa 2026 para mamentena po natin kung ano na currently yung ating binibigay na napakahalagang serbisyo sa mga learners,” Elago said. Among other key allocations, DepEd’s government assistance and subsidies received P38.12 billion. Meanwhile, P12.09 billion was set aside to support the expanded career progression program, paving the way for the promotion and professional advancement of qualified public school teachers. DepEd remains the largest beneficiary in the proposed 2027 budget, according to the Department of Budget and Management. In 2026, the agency received a P1.015-trillion budget, marking the highest allocation in its history. This budget approval by the lower chamber does not finalize DepEd’s 2027 funding. The budget will still undergo scrutiny during the bicameral conference committee between the House and Senate, where the final version of the General Appropriations Act will be reconciled and finalized.