DepEd Commits P51.45 Billion to Central Visayas for 2026 Education Overhaul
The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a substantial allocation of P51.45 billion for Central Visayas in 2026, aimed at funding critical initiatives such as classroom construction, disaster rehabilitation, teacher hiring, digital learning tools, and expanded feeding programs. This regional allocation is part of DepEd's overall P1.015-trillion budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which stands as the largest among all national agencies. The funds are designated to support infrastructure upgrades, additional personnel, nutrition programs, and academic recovery efforts, reflecting a comprehensive approach to improving educational outcomes in the region.
Addressing Disaster Damage from Earthquakes and Typhoons
A significant portion of the funding will be directed toward repairing damage caused by natural disasters, including the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, 2025, and Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) on November 4, 2025. According to DepEd Assistant Secretary Edson Byron Sy, who spoke at the Usapang Budget forum last week, these events affected approximately 200 public schools in Central Visayas. Initial assessments revealed that about 500 classrooms were destroyed, 700 sustained major damage, and over 2,000 incurred minor damage. In Cebu province alone, damage costs were estimated at nearly P4 billion, with Bogo City being among the hardest-hit areas, where all public schools were affected and more than 30 schools sustained significant damage.
Infrastructure and Classroom Development Initiatives
Under the Disaster Preparedness Program, P294 million will fund the construction of 196 Learning Continuity Spaces and the installation of 196 kits and furniture or fixtures to restore safe learning environments. Additionally, the Basic Education Facilities program has allocated P607 million for constructing 187 Learning Continuity Spaces, 21 classrooms in last-mile schools, and delivering 1,538 sets of school furniture. Learning Continuity Spaces are modular or temporary classrooms designed to decongest schools and replace damaged buildings, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Sy highlighted that DepEd has signed a memorandum of agreement with local government units (LGUs), empowering them to construct, repair, and rehabilitate school facilities. This shift from the previous system, where classroom construction was largely handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is expected to accelerate implementation and address classroom shortages more effectively at the local level.
Expansion of Teaching and Support Personnel
In Central Visayas, P497 million has been allocated to create 971 new teaching positions, 352 school principal posts, and 583 school counselor associate positions. An additional P2.2 billion will be used to fill existing vacant positions, while non-teaching roles, including administrative and project development officers, will also be expanded. Sy emphasized that this staffing increase will allow educators to focus more on instructional duties and reduce their administrative workload, thereby enhancing teaching quality and student support.
Nutrition and Digital Learning Enhancements
The school-based feeding program will receive P1.48 billion to improve nutrition, attendance, and learning outcomes. This initiative is projected to benefit over 271,000 kindergarten and elementary learners, including adolescent pregnant students and undernourished children in marginalized areas. For digital learning initiatives, P514.4 million has been earmarked to fund more than 9,000 laptops for teaching units, 200 laptops for non-teaching units, 350 smart TV packages, and over 80 e-learning cart packages. Sy noted that this investment will strengthen technology-assisted and blended learning delivery across the region, ensuring students have access to modern educational tools.
Academic Recovery and Resource Distribution
The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (Aral) program will deploy nearly 40,000 tutors and reach more than 400,000 learners requiring remediation in core subjects. Funds have also been set aside for monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation. Furthermore, Sy mentioned that over 5.5 million textbooks and instructional materials will be distributed across Central Visayas, with additional funds allocated for diagnostic assessments and travel support for learners and teacher-coaches participating in regional academic programs.
In summary, the 2026 education budget for Central Visayas represents a continued investment in public school infrastructure, disaster resilience, and learner support services, as stated by Education official Edson Byron Sy. This comprehensive funding strategy aims to address immediate needs while building a more robust and equitable education system for the future.
