The historic P1.35 trillion budget allotted for education in the 2026 national budget marks a major victory for the Filipino youth, according to Senator Bam Aquino.
In a statement, Aquino emphasized that more students will benefit from additional classrooms and free meals, as well as increased funding for free college tuition and financial assistance for students participating in the Related Learning Experience (RLE) of nursing and health science.
The P1.35-trillion education budget – higher than the about P1 trillion in 2025 – includes P67 billion for the implementation of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Free College Law. The amount consists of additional funding for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) or allowance for underprivileged students.
The budget also allocates P68 billion for classroom construction (up from P18 billion), and P25.6 billion for the School-Based Feeding Program (up from P11.7 billion).
Included in the 2026 national budget was the allocation of P500 million under the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the Higher Education Development Program, specifically allotted for Financial Support for RLE Requirements in Allied Health Sciences Programs.
Aquino also expressed his gratitude to the various groups and individuals who helped monitor and safeguard the budget process.
However, the senator emphasized that the responsibility does not end with the passage of the budget, saying the public must remain vigilant to ensure that the fund will be implemented properly.
"But our duty does not end here. We must continue to be vigilant to ensure that the funds are used correctly and do not end up in the pockets of corrupt government officials," Aquino said.
"Together, let's ensure that the funds go to education--not to corruption."
On Monday, 29 December, the Senate ratified the P6.793-trillion national budget for the year 2026.
The first-ever live-streamed bicameral conference committee sessions concluded at 2:22 a.m. on 18 December after 10-hour marathons.
The budget now heads to Malacañang for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.s' signature, expected early in January. The Palace has hailed it as a “people-centered” plan, surpassing the 2025 national budget’s P6.326 trillion amid inflation and debt concerns, ensuring timely funding for key national priorities