No Compromises for Education Needs of Present Generation, P793M DepEd Budget Approved by Senate

Following the success of Sen. Pia Cayetano’s budget defense, the P793M DepEd was approved by the Senate.

It could be noted that Cayetano has said that the needs of the present generation should be met without compromising the needs of the future generation.

Following deliberations at the Senate plenary, the Department of Education (DepEd), with Budget Sponsor Senator Pia Cayetano, successfully defended its budget on Thursday.

According to the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), DepEd and its affiliated agencies are set to receive ₱793.740 billion, reflecting a 3.99% increase compared to the 2024 allocation under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“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,” Senator Cayetano said in her sponsorship speech.

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

The approved budget aims to strengthen DepEd’s five-point agenda under Secretary Sonny Angara, which aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.

This agenda focuses on creating a supportive learning environment, enhancing learning delivery, improving teacher skills, increasing student employability, and raising achievement levels.

Several key DepEd programs have received significant funding increases, including Basic Education Facilities (P36.81 billion), Basic Education Curriculum (P3.69 billion), Early Language Literacy and Numeracy (P106.23 million), Physical Fitness and School Sports (P479.17 million), and the implementation of cash allowances, hardship pay, and position reclassification (P19.77 billion).

Funds have also been allocated to DepEd’s attached agencies, such as the National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), National Museum of the Philippines, Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD), and the National Academy of Sports (NAS).

With the Senate plenary hearing concluded, DepEd’s 2025 budget now proceeds to bicameral discussions and awaits final approval from the President.

Contributed: Ricks de Leon