Overview: A Major Boost for Education Infrastructure
The House of Representatives’ Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee has approved a substantial increase in funding for the construction of new classrooms in 2026. By reallocating funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), lawmakers approved a net increase of P12.5 billion for basic education facilities (BEF). The move comes as the DPWH faces scrutiny over a flood-control scam involving some of its officials, adding political urgency to the education push.
What Changes Where: The Numbers Behind the Increase
Under the new arrangement, the BEF allocation grows from the planned P22.5 billion to P35.098 billion, bringing the total BEF package for 2026 to roughly P63 billion. Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Angela Suansing, chair of the House appropriations committee, noted that the revised BEF would fund a mix of new construction, completion, rehabilitation, and fixtures. Based on current estimates, this expanded BEF could enable approximately 25,000 new classrooms to be built or upgraded nationwide.
Strategic Reallocation: Prioritizing Education Amid Budget Shifts
The reallocation is part of a broader reshuffling of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2026. The committee justified moving funds from non-education lines to education infrastructure, arguing that the improved classroom capacity is essential for learning outcomes and long-term economic resilience. Other notable reallocations included reducing some education-related items under the Tupad/GIP programs in favor of targeted support for educational facilities.
Other Adjustments in the Budget Package
Besides BEF, the subpanel approved additional funding for labor and employment programs, though not at the initial levels. Specifically, an extra P10 billion was allotted for Tupad and the Government Internship Program (GIP) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), instead of the previously proposed P14.8 billion. In the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, P137 million was added rather than P3.31 billion. These shifts illustrate a broader priority realignment while remaining within the NEP framework.
What This Means for Students and Communities
Educators, parents, and local officials are watching how these funds translate into tangible classroom improvements. If the projection holds, the education sector could significantly relieve overcrowding in many regions and accelerate the completion of long-delayed school construction projects. The plan also aligns with national goals to expand access to quality basic education, particularly in underserved districts.
Next Steps and Open Questions
The BEF increase awaits approval through the full House and, later, negotiations with the Senate. As lawmakers defend the reallocations, questions may arise about oversight and accountability, given the DPWH probe and the broader climate of fiscal scrutiny. Stakeholders will be looking for clear milestones on project timelines, procurement processes, and reporting.
Context: The National Budget Landscape
For 2026, the Philippine national budget totals about P6.793 trillion, reflecting a complex mix of investments across education, infrastructure, health, and social protection. The BEF expansion underscores a trend toward front-loading investments in human capital, even as other departments undergo reform and scrutiny.
