The proposed P41.18-billion budget for government subsidies to the private education sector in 2026 is expected to widen the coverage of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) programs, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday.

The figure, contained in the Senate-approved budget and subject to bicameral review, is P670 million higher than the 2025 allocation.

Around 2.6 million learners in private institutions—particularly in communities where public schools face capacity or accessibility constraints—are expected to benefit from the expansion of the GASTPE programs.

DepEd emphasized that the expansion is a strategic congestion-management measure. For every 35 to 40 learners enrolled in private schools through the voucher system, one classroom is effectively decongested in the public school system. Higher funding for 2026 will ensure continued expansion and timely delivery of subsidies to meet growing demand.

DepEd said the proposed allocation positions the department to serve 989,471 junior high school grantees under the Educational Service Contracting program and 1,475,264 senior high school grantees under the voucher program next year. It will also sustain the P24,000 annual Teachers’ Salary Subsidy for eligible teachers in participating schools and assist 117,150 senior high school learners with Technical-Vocational Livelihood specializations.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara noted that the increased allocation comes as several reforms strengthen the Public and Private Basic Education Complementarity Framework, which operationalizes the Constitution’s mandate for both sectors in delivering accessible and equitable education.

Under Angara’s leadership, DepEd has focused on tightening GASTPE management and addressing long-standing concerns flagged in past reviews. The department strengthened oversight, clarified guidelines, and improved coordination with private school associations to address delays in processing and documentary requirements.

DepEd is also drafting updated guidelines for recognizing senior high schools, as part of broader reforms to ensure private partners meet consistent quality standards.

The department has implemented a five-step validation system to ensure subsidies reach only eligible learners. This includes cross-checking the Voucher Management System with the Learner Information System, verifying discrepancies, conducting post-audit monitoring visits, and re-validating learner eligibility and enrollment status during the second semester.

These adjustments underscore Angara’s push for greater transparency and accountability in GASTPE implementation—including safeguards to prevent ghost beneficiaries and stricter monitoring of participating schools.

DepEd said seven cases involving erring private schools are now under investigation by the Central Office, and criminal charges have been filed against individuals involved in fraudulently claiming subsidies for “ghost” voucher beneficiaries under the SHS voucher system, amounting to P37.58 million.

“We want to ensure that subsidies are delivered on time and that program rules are applied consistently and fairly across regions. Bawat pisong inilalabas ng gobyerno para sa edukasyon, dapat makarating sa totoong mag-aaral,” Angara said.

DepEd also cited recent analyses of the voucher and joint delivery programs, which affirm their role in expanding access and easing early-grade congestion, particularly when extended to Kindergarten through Grade 3. Findings show these programs help sustain schools in communities where they are the only accessible learning option, with beneficiaries expressing high satisfaction with the support they receive.

Angara said the proposed funding, backed by the administration, reflects recognition of how these reforms advance the President’s education agenda, which prioritizes access, efficiency, and stronger cross-sector collaboration.

He thanked the Senate and House for sustaining support for the basic education system as the budget moves to its final version.

The DepEd chief added that the agency will continue refining GASTPE implementation so the 2026 budget—once finalized—translates not only to wider reach but also to more reliable learning pathways for the country’s most vulnerable students.