DepEd, DA welcome House approval of proposed 2025 budget

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Education yesterday said the approval of its proposed P793.1-billion budget for 2025 would enable DepEd to address the learning crisis.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the funding would be used to build new classrooms, repair school facilities and implement DepEd’s flagship computerization program, which seeks to digitalize classroom instruction through internet connectivity.

“We thank Speaker (Martin) Romualdez, Rep. (Maria Carmen) Zamora and the entire House of Representatives for their dedication to uplifting our education system. This budget reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of every Filipino learner,” Angara said.

The funding will also be allocated to DepEd’s attached agencies, including the National Book Development Board, National Council for Children’s Television, National Museum, Philippine High School for the Arts, Early Childhood Care and Development Council as well as the National Academy of Sports.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. also welcomed the House approval of the DA’s P200.19-billion funding for 2025, which is higher by 19.5 percent from this year’s budget of P167.5 billion.

“Any additional budget that we can get from Congress will allow us to step up efforts to ensure food security, modernize agriculture and improve the lives of millions of farmers, fishermen and their families,” Tiu Laurel said.

He said lawmakers vowed to increase further the funding allocations for the DA to boost farm production and enhance farmers’ income.

In his sponsorship speech for the DA budget, Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco underscored the critical role agriculture plays in providing food for every Filipino and creating more jobs.