Joint Statement on the Proposed 2026 Education Budget

27 November 2025 – The private sector backs Congress’ efforts to move closer to global benchmarks for education spending, following the proposed P1.38 trillion allocation to the education sector in the 2026 national budget.

This level of investment demonstrates a clear recognition that sustained human capital development are central to the country’s long-term competitiveness.

It is also an opportunity to address persistent learning gaps, strengthen teacher quality, and improve school facilities. Realizing these outcomes, however, requires transparent and accountable budget processes that ensure every peso delivers maximum value for learners.

We urge greater transparency, especially in the bicameral conference committee where final budget allocations are decided. Decisions at this stage greatly affect education priorities, so public scrutiny is essential to ensure resources go to programs that most improve learning outcomes. Ensuring transparency must be coupled with stronger accountability measures and appropriate corrective action for parties proven to have mismanaged education funds. This is essential to safeguard public resources and uphold the integrity of the education reform agenda.

A more accountable and participative budgeting process also boosts stakeholder confidence and helps align government, private sector, and development partners around shared goals.

In addition, the increased funding must be tied to a long-term reform agenda with clear policy targets, measurable indicators, and strong monitoring and evaluation systems. Budget growth alone will not translate into higher literacy rates, improved teacher effectiveness, or better alignment between education and labor market needs without disciplined implementation. Government spending must be anchored on evidence-based reforms and that performance is rigorously tracked and made public.

We underscore the importance of consistent leadership and effective management in the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure that additional funding is allocated to high-priority areas such as teacher professional development, learning remediation, and system governance.

We reiterate our confidence in Sec. Sonny Angara and the current team of DepEd, whose commitment to transparency, data-driven policymaking, and collaboration provides the stability needed to advance key reforms. A clear signal of support for both the increased budget and the continuation of the reform agenda is essential for sustaining momentum and ensuring that education investments yield meaningful results.

Investing in our people remains foundational to economic and social development. Sustained, well-governed investment in education is not just a social imperative—it is an economic strategy that will define the Philippines’ trajectory for decades.

The private sector stands ready to support the continued implementation of reforms that strengthen the education system and prepare our learners for a rapidly evolving labor market.