By Lane Afable, News Editor
Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced a significant increase in the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of public schools to address rising costs and improve the quality of operations.
Angara said that under the 2026 budget, the Department of Education (DepEd) is prioritizing the direct delivery of funds to the grassroots level.
The per learner MOOE for elementary students has increased to PhP 2,792—a major jump from PhP 2,140 in 2025 and PhP 1,389 in 2024.
For Junior High School, the 2026 MOOE allocation per student rose to PhP 2,631 from PhP 2,201 in 2025 and PhP 1,844 in 2024.
Meanwhile, funding for Senior High School increased to PhP 3,264 per student, compared to PhP 2,784 in 2025 and PhP 2,306 in 2024.
“This substantial increase in funding is a clear message from President Bongbong Marcos that the welfare of our schools and the provision of adequate resources for our students are among our top priorities,” said Secretary Angara.
“By channeling funds directly to our schools, we ensure that our teachers and students have sufficient tools and support to succeed and reach their full potential,” he added.
The funding increase will continue through 2027, with the proposed per-student allocation reaching PhP 2,982 for elementary, PhP 2,744 for Junior High School, and PhP 3,558 for Senior High School.
As a result, the previous strict formula—based on fixed inputs such as the number of students, teachers, classrooms, and graduates—will be fully phased out, a method considered detailed but complex.
Instead, DepEd is now implementing the Simplified Normative Funding Formula (SNFF). Under this new model, enrollment and basic school data will be used to determine the minimum budget needed by a school to meet minimum service standards.
The SNFF is more practical and aims to make fund distribution more equitable and faster. Rather than focusing solely on per capita cost, the normative approach identifies the essential resources and services each school needs to operate effectively.
According to DepEd, the increased allocation alongside the implementation of the SNFF is part of the government’s long-term commitment to ensure that learning spaces across the country are safe, well-maintained, and fully equipped.
