DepEd to allot P1.04B for learners with special needs
The Department of Education (DepEd) will allocate P1.04 billion for its Special Needs Education program covering persons with disabilities (PWDs) and students from the indigenous peoples (IPs).
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the allocation from DepEd’s proposed 2026 budget as approved by the Senate will be used to “reinforce key programs” that will support learners with disabilities, indigenous peoples, at-risk youth and other marginalized groups “who have historically faced barriers to education.”
Allocations
The Senate and the House of Representatives convened as the bicameral conference committee on Saturday to reconcile the proposed 2026 national budget.
Angara said the DepEd proposed to allocate P897 million for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program, which is aimed at providing a flexibility system for out-of-school youth and adults to finish their basic education.
The allocation will enable a total of 639,782 ALS learners nationwide “to continue their education journey” and provide “capacity-building initiatives” to 500 ALS implementers.
He also said P521.62 million will go to the Madrasah Education Program for Muslim learners which will benefit a total of 194,355 Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education learners across 4,046 schools.
The Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) program will receive P154 million which Angara said will support a total of 482,329 IPEd learners.
The DepEd is also set to roll out of “inclusive” Learning Resource Center facilities equipped with e-libraries, instructional materials and other essential tools for diverse learning.
“Part of President Marcos’ priorities is to ensure that our education system will be inclusive—to give them equitable and more chances to reach their dreams and full potential,” Angara said.
