'Don't let Filipino youth down': DepEd, CHED urged to ensure proper use of educ budget

Senator Bam Aquino called on the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure the full and proper use of the record-high P1.32-trillion education fund under the 2026 national budget.

"We are happy that nothing was cut from the education budget. This is the highest education budget in our history. Nothing was cut from it, we fought for it and now the budget is here," Aquino said, noting that they are now passing the ball in the hands of the education agencies.

Aquino urged the DepEd and CHED to "do the right thing, set the right price, and make sure that there is no corruption."

He also emphasized that the Senate Committee on Basic Education will closely and continuously monitor the implementation of the education budget to ensure commitments are fulfilled, despite statements about challenges in implementation.

This is to ensure that there will be no ghost projects, no ghost students, and to guarantee that the funds will be used for the education of the Filipino youth, according to the senator.

Aquino earlier underscored the need for the swift and transparent implementation of key education programs under the record-high budget, particularly the construction of new classrooms and the expansion of the Free College Law, which he authored, as well as the increase in student allowances under the program.

The P1.34-trillion education budget allots P67 billion for the Free College Law, including added funding for the Tertiary Education Subsidy or allowances for underprivileged students.

The budget also allocates P68 billion for classroom construction and P25.6 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program.

Also included in the 2026 national budget is Aquino’s proposal for the allocation of P500 million under the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses of the Higher Education Development Program, specifically earmarked for Financial Support for Related Learning Experience Requirements in Allied Health Sciences Programs.