Angara Defends ₱975.96-B DepEd Budget for 2027; Seeks ₱145.19-B Supplemental Fund for Critical Gaps

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara presented the agency’s proposed ₱975.96-billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027 before the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday.

While defending the baseline allocation under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), Angara appealed to lawmakers for an additional ₱145.19 billion supplemental fund. The request aims to cover critical educational initiatives left completely unfunded under the proposed budget, most notably the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program.

The ARAL Program, which serves as the agency's primary remedial intervention for students struggling with reading, mathematics, and science, received a zero allotment for 2027 despite showing strong performance in previous school cycles. According to Angara, DepEd is seeking ₱15.98 billion specifically to sustain ARAL alongside other unbudgeted necessities, including the hiring of new teachers and purchasing classroom laptops.

Courtesy: DepEd Philippines