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After the deliberation at the Plenary Level, the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Budget Sponsor Senator Pia Cayetano, successfully defended the agency’s budget at the Senate of the Philippines on Thursday.

Under the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), DepEd and its attached agencies shall receive an allocation of P793.740 billion, 3.99% higher over the agency’s budget under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) in 2024.

“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 Cayeteno 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 will boost DepEd’s five-point agenda under Secretary Sonny Angara that reflects the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which broadly covers conducive learning environment; efficient learning delivery; upskilled teachers; employable students; and raised achievement levels.

Several DepEd programs received significant boosts in funding, including Basic Education Facilities (P36.81-B), Basic Education Curriculum (P3.69-B), 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).

In addition, funds are also allocated to DepEd’s attached agencies, including National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Council for Children Television (NCCT), Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), National Museum of the Philippines, Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD), and National Academy of Sports (NAS). 

Following the Senate Plenary Hearing, the DepEd’s 2025 budget is now set to undergo bicameral deliberations and final approval by the President.

*All Photos from DepEd