Photo from Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed confidence that the proposed 2026 education budget will strengthen programs aimed at improving students’ reading skills.
He said the Bicameral Conference Committee-approved spending plan sets aside ₱1.38 trillion for education, equivalent to 4.5 percent of gross domestic product.
Gatchalian described the allocation as a major investment focused on learning recovery, improved classrooms, and increased support for teachers.
He noted that education will again receive the biggest share of the national budget under the 2026 proposal.
The senator made the remarks following the release of the 2024 Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics, which showed Filipino Grade 5 students trailing their regional peers in reading.
The study found that more than a quarter of Grade 5 learners have very low reading proficiency.
It also showed that students with better access to textbooks tend to perform better academically.
Gatchalian said many learners still lack adequate reading materials, with most either sharing textbooks or having only one copy.
Under the approved budget, funding for textbooks and instructional materials was increased to ensure learners receive complete sets.
He said additional allocations for tutoring and learning recovery programs are critical as millions of Filipino students remain functionally illiterate despite completing basic education.