Civil society group urges Congress to restore education budget cuts

MANILA, Philippines — Education reform network E-Net Philippines has urged Congress to restore budget cuts and increase funding for programs serving learners, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

The call came after the House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027.

E-Net raised concern over the P3.1-billion reduction in the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) and the P3.16-billion cut in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) computerization program.

Article continues after this advertisement

The House reduced the BEFF allocation from P30.55 billion to P27.45 billion and the computerization program budget from P5.79 billion to P2.63 billion, the group said.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: House approves P7.2-trillion 2027 budget bill on final reading

“At a time when millions of learners endure overcrowded, inadequate, and unsafe classrooms, these cuts risk deepening inequalities and leaving behind the learners and communities that public education investments should prioritize,” it said in a statement. 

The group also called on the Congress to expand the funding for the Alternative Learning System, Special Needs and Inclusive Education (SNEd), Indigenous Peoples Education, Madrasah, schools in last mile and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, as well as programs for students’ nutritional needs, protection, and safety. 

During a meeting of the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee on proposed changes to the 2027 budget, the Special Needs and Inclusive Education program received an additional P75 million, Indigenous Peoples Education got P25 million, and Madrasah education received P50 million.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Education reform group calls for better pay, staffing, benefits for teachers

“Public funds must respond to the education crisis—not merely balance budget tables or accommodate competing political priorities. Congress must disclose which programs were reduced, where the funds went, who proposed the realignments, and how these changes will improve outcomes, especially for disadvantaged learners,” it added. 

Article continues after this advertisement

The amendments made by the lower chamber to the proposed bill include additional P8.12 billion funding for the education sector, P20.86 billion for the agriculture sector, and P11.49 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways. /dp