Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday assured that there are adequate funds to support public school teachers and learners amid rising operational costs.

In a statement, the education chief noted the increased funding for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) under the 2026 national budget, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the education sector.

Under the 2026 budget, the allocated MOOE spending per learner in Senior High School (SHS) has risen to PHP3,264, significantly higher than the PHP2,784 in 2025 and PHP2,306 in 2024.

For Junior High School (JHS), the 2026 MOOE allocation per learner is PHP2,631, up from P2,201 in 2025 and PHP1,844 in 2024; while PHP2,792 is allocated per learner in elementary public schools, higher than the PHP2,140 in 2025 and PHP1,389 in 2024.

For 2027, the DepEd-proposed MOOE allocation per learner is PHP2,982 for SHS, PHP2,744 for JHS, and PHP3,558 for SHS.

Angara said the growing fiscal trend will continue to boost support for learners in public schools.

“Sa pagbuhos natin ng pondo diretso sa ating mga eskwelahan, tinitiyak natin na may sapat na kagamitan at suporta ang ating mga guro at mag-aaral para magtagumpay at makamit ang kanilang buong potensyal (By pouring funds directly to schools, we are ensuring sufficient materials and support to our teachers and learners so they can succeed and reach their full potential),” he said.

“Ang malaking dagdag-pondo na ito ay malinaw na mensahe ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na prayoridad natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga paaralan at ang pagbibigay ng sapat na resources para sa ating mga mag-aaral (This significant fund boost is a clear message from President Bongbong Marcos that we prioritize the welfare of schools and the provision of adequate resources to our learners),” he added. (PNA)