DepEd launches pilot program to support student-athletes and coaches

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara has issued the guidelines for the pilot implementation of a program that will give targeted financial aid to students and teacher-coaches participating in national and international competitions endorsed or acknowledged by the Department of Education (DepEd) for the school year 2026–2027. The program is called the Government Assistance and Subsidies-Training and Upgrading Knowledge for Learners, Teachers, and Achievers in Schools (Gas-Tuklas). It’s backed by an allocation of P100.8 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, according to a DepEd statement issued on Thursday. READ: Marcos vows support for student-athletes “President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.] believes that we should not allow any talent to be left behind just because of a lack of support,” “Through Gas-Tuklas, we aim to lessen the burden for our learners and teacher-coaches so that they can focus on improving themselves and giving honor to the country,” he added. The program covers the following: Those from low-income households will be given priority. The program supports participation in individual and team competitions, including academic, sports, creative and cultural, and other related and interdisciplinary competitions. Subject to approval, availability of funds, and applicable government rules, the assistance may cover registration fees, training and preparation expenses, travel expenses, and boarding and lodging. The actual amount of assistance to be approved will depend on the allowable expenses, competition requirements, availability of funds, and applicable government rules. Applications, which are open throughout the school year 2026–2027, will undergo review and endorsement at the school, Schools Division Office, and Regional Office levels before final validation and approval or disapproval by the DepEd Central Office through the Government Assistance and Subsidies Service (GASS). Applicants must submit the required documents to their respective school heads at least 45 working days before joining the competition. The list of competitions endorsed or acknowledged by DepEd will be posted and periodically updated on the official DepEd website. READ: Marcos pushes world-class sports education for future Filipino champions Competitions not included in the published list may be submitted to GASS for evaluation. Through the pilot implementation, DepEd will gather implementation data, policy insights, and operational evidence to guide policy refinement and future decisions on the possible expansion of Gas-Tuklas as a national support mechanism for learners and teacher-coaches across all regions. For more information, the public may contact the GASS–Policy Review and Development Division through [email protected]. /atm