Albay welcomes increased educ budget for 2026

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- Residents of Albay welcomed the signing of the 2026 national budget by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., expressing optimism as education received the highest allocation among government sectors.

On Monday, the President signed the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Act for 2026, with over P1.34 trillion dedicated to education, the largest share of the national budget.

“Education receives the highest allocation—amounting to over P1.34 trillion,” he said during the signing ceremony.

Froilan Tena, the Department of Education (DepEd) information officer for Albay, praised the development, noting it reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing education in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.

“We are grateful because education has truly been prioritized,” Tena said.

He expressed hope that the funding would be directed toward classroom construction, school-based feeding programs, learning materials, digitalization initiatives, and teacher career development.

Students also expressed appreciation, highlighting better learning conditions as a key benefit of the increased funding.

Railyn Lucido, a student from Bascaran, Daraga, shared her optimism: “I would like to thank our president. This is good news because it means better classrooms and enough teachers for students.”

Teachers echoed similar sentiments, noting that the additional funds could help address long-standing challenges in public schools.

Mildred Biñas, a Grade 6 teacher from Daraga, said the allocation could help reduce overcrowded classrooms and improve the learning environment.

“The allocation could help reduce overcrowded classrooms and improve the learning environment. Students will receive more attention and learn better in comfortable classrooms. Investing in education is a long-term investment for the country,” she said.

Residents from other backgrounds viewed the education budget as an investment in the nation’s future.

Leo Romero from Legazpi City emphasized that prioritizing education empowers Filipino children to reach their full potential.

“It gives every child the chance to dream big and contribute to national development,” he said.

The education budget aims to strengthen public schools by addressing teacher shortages, improving facilities, and expanding access to learning resources.

Marcos assured the public that the 2026 national budget would be spent responsibly and directly benefit Filipinos.

“Kasama ninyo kami sa layuning tiyakin na ang budget ng bayan ay para sa bayan,” he said, adding that the government would not allow public funds to be lost to corruption. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)