DepEd: Public School Direct Funding to Exceed P61B by 2027

MANILA, Philippines — Direct funding for public schools nationwide will reach P61.02 billion under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the Department of Education (DepEd) said in a statement issued on Friday. The proposed amount is more than double the 2022 public school funding of around P30 billion in 2022. As DepEd pointed out, The proposed P61.02 billion in direct funding for public schools, according to DepEd, is expected to be used for the construction and repair of classrooms, provision of learning materials, and other educational facilities. This aims to improve the quality of education in the country and provide better learning environments for students. DepEd Secretary [Name of Secretary, if available in original] stated that the increase in funding reflects the government's commitment to prioritizing education. "We are committed to ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality education. This increased budget will allow us to address the pressing needs of our public schools and provide our students with the resources they deserve," the secretary said. The proposed budget also includes provisions for teacher training and professional development, aiming to enhance the skills and capabilities of educators. Furthermore, it allocates funds for the implementation of new educational programs and initiatives designed to improve learning outcomes. However, some education advocates have raised concerns about the timely and efficient disbursement of these funds. They emphasize the need for robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the allocated budget is used effectively and reaches the intended beneficiaries. "While we welcome the increase in funding, it is crucial that the implementation is transparent and efficient. We need to see tangible improvements in our schools, not just numbers on paper," said [Name of Advocate, if available in original], a representative from [Organization, if available in original]. The proposed NEP for 2027 still needs to be deliberated and approved by Congress. Lawmakers are expected to scrutinize the budget proposal to ensure that it aligns with the country's development goals and addresses the needs of the education sector. This increased allocation for public schools comes at a time when the Philippines is facing various challenges, including the ongoing impact of the pandemic on education, the need to bridge learning gaps, and the demand for a skilled workforce to support economic growth. The government hopes that by investing more in education, it can build a stronger foundation for the nation's future.