Senator Bam Aquino on Thursday said more than 27 million learners across K–12 and tertiary levels stand to benefit from the proposed PHP1.38-trillion education budget for 2026, the largest in Philippine history.

Aquino said the unprecedented allocation reflects a national commitment to strengthening classrooms, feeding programs, and free higher education.

“Over 27 million students po diyan sa K-12 at the tertiary ang mabibigyan po ng tulong (Over 27 million K–12 and tertiary students will receive assistance),” he said in an interview at the 2025 Cavite Entrepreneurship Students Conference in Imus.

“For the first time, napakalaki ng budget para sa edukasyon… siguraduhin natin hanggang sa pinakadulong version nito, dapat nandiyan iyong pera para sa edukasyon (we have a huge budget for education. We must ensure that until the final version of the budget, the funding for education stays in place),” he added.

The proposed budget includes PHP65 billion for classrooms, PHP27 billion for the school feeding program, and funding to provide free college to more than five million students next year.

However, Aquino said the allocation remains vulnerable until the bicameral conference committee finalizes the spending plan and the President signs it into law.

“Malaki po ang nalaan sa pondo para sa edukasyon pero hindi pa po tapos iyong laban (A large amount has been allotted for education, but the fight is not yet over),” he said, urging the public to closely monitor the process.

“Sama-sama nating bantayan iyong bicam. For the first time, naka-livestream po ito (Let us monitor the bicam together. For the first time, it is being livestreamed),” he added. (PNA)