Ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted sustained momentum in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) key programs, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to tangible education reform.
Reflecting on the past year’s milestones, Secretary Angara emphasized that public funding is translating into direct support for school infrastructure, teacher welfare, and learning support.
“Noong nakaraang taon, nilagay ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang edukasyon sa sentro ng kanyang agenda. Naglatag siya ng malinaw na roadmap. Ngayong taon, ipinapakita natin ang concrete progress ng ating mga nasimulan,” Angara said.
“Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: bawat piso sa badyet ng edukasyon ay dapat ramdam ng ating mga mag-aaral at guro—mula sa mga bagong silid-aralan at kagamitan, hanggang sa bawas na gawaing administratibo, mas ligtas na mga paaralan, at pag-angat ng kalidad ng edukasyon.”
In line with the President’s directive, DepEd continues to prioritize the professional and personal well-being of educators. Around 82,000 teachers and school leaders have been promoted under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.
To allow educators to focus on teaching rather than administrative tasks, DepEd is implementing wide-ranging reforms to reduce administrative workload by reducing school forms, and strengthening school-based support through the creation of 32,916 new teaching positions for FY 2026. This expansion includes critical non-teaching support: 11,268 Administrative Officers (AO II), 5,000 Project Development Officers, and 6,000 School Principal I positions.
Alongside the nationwide distribution of lapel microphones to all public school teachers to support and enhance their classroom instruction, DepEd continues to strengthen teacher welfare and well-being. Through the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, the Teaching Allowance was increased from PHP5,000 to PHP10,000, providing greater support for teachers’ instructional needs.
DepEd also granted a PHP7,000 Medical Allowance to both teaching and non-teaching personnel to help cover their healthcare expenses. In addition, a five-day Wellness Leave for all DepEd employees—whether permanent, temporary, or Contract of Service—is granted in recognition of the importance of maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These measures reflect DepEd’s commitment to supporting and valuing the education workforce, who serve as the backbone of the country’s learning system.
Infrastructure development is also steadily reaching schools. DepEd reported that 21,441 new classrooms have been completed since July 2022 via the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF), including 411 classrooms in Last Mile Schools in remote areas.
To address remaining backlogs, at least 12,487 additional classrooms are currently in the procurement stage for FY 2026 through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units. For its part, the private sector too will also construct its initial share of more than 16,000 classrooms in Luzon, by way of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Additional PPPs with higher production targets will soon follow for the Visayas and Mindanao.
Digital integration also continues to accelerate, with nearly 98% of public schools now internet-connected in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). To support digital learning, DepEd from 2022 to 2025 has deployed over 140,000 teacher laptops, over 77,000 Smart TVs, and over 8,200 e-Learning Cart packages.
DepEd remains committed to workforce readiness. Following a successful pilot, the department is implementing the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum nationwide starting School Year 2026–2027. This initiative provides clearer pathways toward higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, 178,641 SHS-TVL learners for 2026 have already passed Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certification (NC) assessments.
To protect learner welfare, DepEd is fortifying emergency preparedness through its Disaster Preparedness and Response Programs, and expanding health and nutrition services. The universal School-Based Feeding Program now serves around 4.6 million learners, including Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners, as well as undernourished Grade 2 to 6 learners and other vulnerable secondary learners.
DepEd is strengthening school safety and school-based mental health services through a whole-of-government approach. DepEd is expanding its support by hiring over 10,000 School Counselor Associates (SCA), ensuring accessible basic psychosocial support for learners across all public schools.
The Department also spearheaded child protection awareness programs, reaching more than 4.7 million learners, and established over 25,000 school sports clubs.
Angara said the Department remains focused on sustaining reforms and addressing the challenges that persist.
“Education is a shared, long-term work. Every classroom completed, every teacher supported, and every child who stays safe in school is another step toward the future that the President envisioned. We will continue building on these gains with humility, urgency, and a steadfast commitment to public service,” he said.
