MANILA — The House of Representatives has allotted an additional ₱10.06 billion for education programs under the proposed 2027 national budget, as part of efforts to help more Filipino students enter school, continue their studies and earn their degrees.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III announced the funding boost Monday evening, stressing that poverty should never prevent Filipino youth from achieving their dreams.
“Every Filipino child striving to reach their dreams has Congress as a partner. Poverty should never be a barrier to completing their education,” Dy said.
The additional funding will support school safety, inclusive learning, academic recovery and access to quality higher education.
Among the allocations are ₱2.1 billion for the Tertiary Education Subsidy, ₱1.93 billion for the Basic Education Voucher Program covering kindergarten to Grade 6 learners, and ₱1.77 billion for the Tulong Dunong Program.
The House also earmarked an additional ₱500 million for the School Safety and Security Program to strengthen campus protection and address parents’ concerns over their children’s safety.
“Beyond protecting our children, we must ensure they have the opportunity to study, graduate and build a better future,” Dy said.
Aside from the budget increase, the Speaker cited the House’s approval on third reading of the Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act, which seeks to expand voucher assistance to kindergarten and elementary school students.
Dy also highlighted the enacted amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which prioritize students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households and broaden assistance for disadvantaged learners.
The House likewise ratified the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, a priority measure under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), aimed at expanding educational opportunities for Filipino youth.
Dy said the funding increases and legislative measures reflect the chamber’s commitment to making education more accessible and ensuring that financial hardship does not deprive students of the chance to finish school.
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