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

Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, emphasized the importance of vigilance as the Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam), comprising selected members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, reconciles the differences between the two chambers’ budget versions.

The Bicam has historically been a venue for budget cuts, insertions, and 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 the people 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,” he said.

Education gets funding bulk

The 2026 national budget includes significant allocations for key education programs.

Over P65 billion has been allocated for the construction of approximately 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 in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Over 27 million students in K-12 and the 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.