Aquino urges vigilance to protect P1.38T education budget

Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday called on the public and lawmakers to closely monitor deliberations on the 2026 proposed national budget to ensure that the record P1.38-trillion allocation for education remains intact.

Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, highlighted the importance of vigilance as the bicameral conference committee, composed of selected members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, reconciles differences between the two chambers’ budget versions.

The bicam has historically been a venue for budget cuts, insertions, or the introduction of new projects and special provisions.

“This is really an education budget. That’s our call — we must watch over it. I expect that, as announced, the bicameral committee’s proceedings will be livestreamed. It is incumbent upon all of us to monitor it,” Aquino said, emphasizing the need to ensure that funds reach their intended beneficiaries rather than being diverted to questionable items.

He urged citizens to hold legislators accountable, warning against any attempts to slash or reallocate education funds: “If there’s a motion to reduce the education budget, we must raise our voices immediately and make it clear that such cuts are unacceptable.”

The 2026 budget includes significant allocations for key education programs. Over P65 billion has been set aside for the construction of around 27,000 to 30,000 classrooms. The school-based feeding program will receive P27 billion to improve student nutrition.

Under the Free College Law (RA 10931), P37 billion has been allocated to benefit 5.7 million students in state and local universities and colleges, as well as private higher education institutions.

Additionally, P30 billion has been earmarked for student allowances, covering 1.5 million underprivileged but deserving students, including 490,000 beneficiaries from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Over 27 million students in K-12 and tertiary levels will benefit from these programs,” Aquino said, noting that sustained public vigilance is critical until President Marcos signs the proposed budget into law.