Preserving P12 billion for DepEd's budget in 2025 is the aim of Marcos' efforts
Philippines' Education Budget Slashed, Drawing Concerns
Manila, PH - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed plans to restore the P12 billion slashed from the 2025 Department of Education (DepEd) budget, acknowledging its significance and the need for improvement in digital resources for public schools.
"We're doing our best to restore the cut. There's no point in line-item vetoing things, it just complicates matters," said Marcos.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara strongly criticized the initial reduction, particularly the P10 billion snatched from the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP), fearing it would widen the digital divide among students.
"That amount could have provided resources for thousands of students," Angara stated, emphasizing the importance of this annual initiative to improve technology access for public schools across the archipelago.
Following the bicameral conference, the DepEd's 2025 budget plummeted to P737 billion from the proposed P748.65 billion. On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways raked in nearly P289 billion more, boosting its total allocation to an astounding P1.1 trillion.
The Constitution mandates education as a top budgetary priority, with teaching attracting the best talents and equitable remuneration (READ: Bicam members defend massive budget cuts for DepEd, PhilHealth amid criticisms).
Angara expressed dismay over Congress' decision, noting past years' budget increases for education. Lawmakers, however, justified their move, considering the DepEd's budget usage.
Marcos remained optimistic, commenting, "P12 billion is just enough to maintain our current efforts. We have to do more than that."
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Did You Know?
- The DepEd's budget cut affected programs aimed at improving students' digital literacy and equipping them for the technology-driven world.
- Budget reallocations prioritized other sectors, causing concerns given the Philippines' ongoing education crisis, with low performance in international assessments and persistent shortages in classrooms and digital resources.
- Restoration efforts involve the government pursuing public-private partnerships and increasing advocacy for better funding, while community-based programs, like Brigada Eskwela, continue to function.
- The ongoing policy-and-legislation debate surrounding the Philippines' education budget, particularly the recent slash and subsequent restoration plans, is a key topic in the realm of politics.
- Amidst concerns about the general-news issue of theDepEd's budget cut affecting students' digital literacy programs, supporters are advocating for increased funding and partnerships to ensure equal access to technology for all public schools.
