Despite the Constitution mandating education as the government’s “highest priority,” funding continues to fall short, PBEd said.
Why it matters
The proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program allocates ₱1.178 trillion—about 3.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), still below UNESCO’s recommended 4–6 percent.
In the past decade, education spending averaged 3.2 percent of GDP.
What they’re saying
“Every peso wasted denies our people access to vital programs—such as education, nutrition, and healthcare—that they rightfully deserve,” PBEd executive director Bal Camua said.
PBEd emphasized the need to open budget deliberations from start to finish to strengthen accountability.
“Every year we delay meeting the standard, we risk losing a generation,” Camua said.
The group also welcomed the creation of the high-level Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) under Administrative Order No. 36, citing it as a crucial step to align academic outcomes with industry needs.
The bottom line
PBEd’s push highlights a critical reminder: investing in people is as urgent as investing in infrastructure.
Without stronger, transparent education funding, the Philippines risks falling further behind in global competitiveness and denying young Filipinos the opportunities they deserve. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
