Angara reacts to education budget cuts, decries P12 billion reduction

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his dismay after the education budget for 2025 was cut by P12 billion in the final version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

In a social media post on 12 December 2024, Angara stated, “Sad to learn that both Houses of Congress have decided to decrease by P12 billion the budget the President proposed for DepEd for 2025. This reverses a trend in recent years where Congress adds even more to the education budget, save for one year during the pandemic.”

The reduction comes despite the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) receiving a substantial budget increase of nearly P289 billion, bringing its total allocation to a record P1.1 trillion. However, the Department of Education (DepEd), which had initially been allocated P748.6 billion by the House of Representatives, saw its budget slashed to P737 billion.

Angara, who has long championed education funding, was particularly concerned about the impact of the cuts on DepEd’s proposed 2025 computerization program, which could have funded thousands of computers and gadgets for public school children.

“P10 billion was cut from the proposed 2025 computerization program of DepEd,” Angara noted, adding that this could have provided vital resources for students. The move is seen as a reversal of the usual trend, where education budgets have typically seen increases in recent years.

In contrast to education’s losses, the Department of National Defense (DND) saw its budget increased to P271.9 billion, up from P263 billion. Lawmakers also allocated funds for the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and other key sectors, with a focus on infrastructure and national security.

Despite the shifts in funding priorities, education remains a key issue for many, with activists and public figures stressing the importance of investing in the future of Filipino students. Angara’s comments reflect a growing concern over the impact of these cuts on the country’s educational system and the long-term effects on students.