MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday successfully concluded plenary discussions on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) substantial budget proposal for 2025, which totals PHP793.177 billion and aims to significantly boost the quality and accessibility of education in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, the budget was vigorously supported by Davao De Oro 1st District Representative and House Appropriations Committee vice-chair, Maria Carmen Zamora. In her sponsorship speech, Zamora outlined the strategic allocation of funds designed to support DepEd’s five-point agenda, which addresses several critical areas in the educational sector. This agenda includes enhancing educational outcomes to ensure employability of senior high school graduates, raising education quality through curriculum enhancement, and bridging both physical and digital infrastructural gaps.
Zamora highlighted that these initiatives align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives from his State of the Nation Address, focusing on teacher upskilling and promoting learner well-being. She detailed the major allocations within the proposed budget: PHP49.76 billion for elementary and secondary school operations, PHP40.51 billion for government assistance and subsidies, and PHP34 billion earmarked for new school personnel positions. Additional funds are directed towards basic education facilities, textbooks, the DepEd Computerization Program, and various support programs including a school-based feeding program and disaster preparedness.
“This budget will enable DepEd to carry out its mandate of providing the best possible basic education so that all our learners can become equipped for the successes and challenges of tomorrow,” Zamora stated, urging her colleagues to support the budget to realize a “sunny and bright reality” for basic education in the country.
The DepEd, led by Secretary Sonny Angara, expressed gratitude towards House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the House members for the budget’s passage. The approved funds also support DepEd’s attached agencies such as the National Book Development Board, National Council for Children’s Television, and others, ensuring a comprehensive approach to educational enhancement across the nation.