Philippine Lawmaker Seeks 4% GDP Education Budget Amid Funding Concerns

A Philippine lawmaker is pushing to maintain the education budget at 4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) for the upcoming year, citing the need for increased funding to support teachers and address the country's continuing learning crisis. Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel I. Diokno described the proposed reduction in education spending for next year as "unacceptable and alarming," especially after the sector received a record P1.34-trillion allocation in the 2026 national budget. "It is unacceptable and alarming that after education was given a historic budget last year, it will be reduced for 2027," Mr. Diokno stated. "We will look into this issue and ensure that the education budget will remain at 4% of the GDP next year." He added that maintaining education spending at 4% of GDP aligns with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization benchmark of 4% to 6% of GDP for education spending. Additional funding, according to the lawmaker, should support comprehensive learning recovery programs, classroom construction, and learning materials, as well as stronger assistance for teachers and other education personnel. Mr. Diokno emphasized that the government must invest in the foundations of the education system to improve the quality of education and help Filipino students become more competitive. Information Source: BusinessWorld Nation