Adi Joaquim Tolentino

The Department of Education (DepEd) will boost the agency’s five-point agenda under Education Secretary Sonny Angara in 2025.

Photo Courtesy of STAR/Walter Bollozos.

On Oct. 27, Budget Sponsor Senator Pia Cayetano defended the agency’s budget proposal of P793.74 billion, a 3.99% increase in 2024, during the plenary deliberation at the Senate of the Philippines.

“Mr. President, in the past years during the budget season, we have always tried to be sustainable but also resilient to future challenges, all well considering intergenerational fairness. This is the idea that the needs of the present generation should be met without compromising the needs of the future generations,” she said.

The said budget will cover on conducive learning environment, efficient learning delivery, upskilled teachers, employable students, and raised achievement levels.

Cayetano acknowledged Committee on Finance Chairperson Senator Grace Poe in her support for the improvements in education.

“I extend our gratitude to our Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Senator Poe, for granting some of the committee’s proposals,” she expressed.

Several DepEd programs received funding boosts on Basic Education Facilities (P36.81B), Basic Education Curriculum (P3.69B), Early Language Literacy and Numeracy (P106.23M), Physical Fitness and School Sports (P479.17M), and Implementation of the Grant of Cash Allowance, Hardship Pay, and Reclassification of Positions (19.77B).

"Our goal remains the same: To ensure that the needs of the current and future generations are met, ensuring intergenerational fairness," she noted.

Following the budget hearing, the agency’s budget is ready to undergo consideration and consideration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.