For the first time in history, public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will receive complete sets of textbooks, thanks to a P19.5 billion allocation in the 2026 national budget, Senator Win Gatchalian said.
“Sa ilalim ng 2026 national budget, tiniyak nating wala nang mag-aaral ang kulang ang aklat. Kung dati ay ginagamit ng mahigit isang mag-aaral ang kada isang libro, hindi na ngayon,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.
Gatchalian sought assurances from the Department of Education (DepEd), however, that the budget will be properly utilized. The senator pointed out that in 2025, the utilization rate for textbooks and other instructional materials was only at 14%.
Dr. Carmela Oracion, officer-in-charge Undersecretary for Learning System, reported to the Senate Committee on Finance that the department has already conducted early procurement of textbooks amounting to P7 billion.
She said the textbooks are intended for Grades 6, 9, and 10, which are the last sets needed for the full rollout of the MATATAG curriculum.
The DepEd official added that the remaining P12 billion will be released to the regions.
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