House Defends P10-Billion DepEd Budget Cut for 2025 Over Slow Computerization

School funding Cuts Ignite Debate

Proposed cuts to education budgets have sparked heated discussions across the nation, wiht parents, teachers, and policymakers fiercely debating the potential impact on students. These reductions, aimed at addressing budgetary constraints, have ignited concerns about the quality of education and the resources available to schools.

Impact on Students

Critics argue that decreased funding will inevitably lead to larger class sizes, reduced access to essential resources like textbooks and technology, and fewer extracurricular activities. They fear that these changes will disproportionately affect students in underserved communities, exacerbating existing educational disparities. “It’s disheartening to think that our children’s future is being jeopardized by these short-sighted cuts,” stated a concerned parent.

Differing Perspectives

While acknowledging the need for fiscal responsibility, proponents of the budget cuts maintain that streamlining educational spending is crucial for long-term economic stability. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing core academic subjects and exploring innovative solutions to enhance efficiency without compromising educational quality.

Seeking Common Ground

As the debate continues, finding a balanced approach that addresses both fiscal concerns and the educational needs of students remains a critical challenge. Open communication, collaboration between stakeholders, and a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of children are essential for navigating this complex issue and ensuring a luminous future for all learners.

2025 Education Budget Sparks Controversy

The proposed budget for the Department of Education in 2025 has ignited a heated debate. The House of Representatives recently approved a significant cut to the agency’s funding, raising concerns about the potential impact on educational programs and resources. This decision stems from growing unease regarding the Department’s past spending practices. Lawmakers are scrutinizing the Department’s financial history, seeking greater transparency and accountability in how education funds are allocated and utilized.

Education budget Cut Sparks Debate Over Accountability

Representative Rodge Gutierrez of the 1-Rider Party-list has stirred controversy by defending a recent cut to the education budget. While acknowledging the importance of education funding, Gutierrez emphasized the need for responsible spending and accountability within the Department of Education (DepEd). He argued that the budget reduction was not an attempt to undermine education but rather a necessary step to address concerns about how DepEd has been managing its finances. “Secretary Angara may argue that education funding is sacrosanct,” Gutierrez stated, “but Congress cannot keep throwing good money after bad. This is not about depriving education; it’s about ensuring proper fund use and accountability.” ## DepEd Faces Scrutiny Over Underutilized Tech budget Concerns are mounting over the Department of Education’s (DepEd) handling of its budget for facts and communication technology equipment. A recent Commission on Audit (CoA) report revealed a significant disparity between allocated funds and actual spending. According to the report, DepEd disbursed only P2.075 billion of its P11.36 billion allocation for tech equipment in 2023. This underutilization of funds has raised eyebrows, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability. Adding to the scrutiny is the revelation that a considerable number of laptops meant for teachers and non-teaching staff remained undelivered by the end of 2023. This delay in distribution has hampered efforts to modernize classrooms and equip educators with essential tools.

Calls for transparency and Accountability in Education Budget

The Department of Education (DepEd) is facing increasing pressure to address concerns regarding its budget management. Congressman Gutierrez has publicly stated that the agency needs to provide clear explanations for unused funds before requesting additional allocations. Gutierrez, referencing Secretary Angara’s previous experience as Chair of the Senate Finance committee, emphasized the importance of adhering to financial regulations. “As former Senate Finance Committee chair, Sec. Angara knows that the law is clear: unused funds must be accounted for before new allocations can be made,” Gutierrez asserted. The Congressman further stressed the need for transparency and accountability within the DepEd, urging his colleagues in Congress to take a closer look at these issues.”Now that he’s education secretary, he should focus on fixing DepEd’s internal mess. Congress cannot turn a blind eye to these issues,” added Gutierrez.

Philippines Approves Controversial 2025 Budget

The Philippine Congress has approved a P6.352-trillion budget for 2025, a decision marked by heated debate and controversy surrounding significant cuts to education funding.

Education budget Cuts sparking Outrage

The approved budget allocates P12 billion less to the Department of Education (DepEd) and slashes P30 billion from the Commission on Higher education (CHED). These reductions have drawn fierce criticism from educators and advocates who argue that they will severely impact the quality of education in the Philippines.

education Budget: Potential for Adjustment Expected

Secretary Sonny Angara, overseeing the Education Department, has voiced confidence that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.will proactively address the recent budget reduction impacting education. This statement suggests the possibility of further conversations and revisions regarding the final allocation of funds for the education sector. Angara’s optimism indicates a willingness on the part of the governance to engage in dialog and potentially make adjustments to ensure adequate funding for educational programs and initiatives. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by educators,students,and stakeholders invested in the future of Philippine education. “President Marcos”… Angara said, confidently anticipating a resolution to the budget concerns.

Education Budget: Potential for Adjustment Expected

Secretary Sonny Angara, overseeing the Education Department, has voiced confidence that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will proactively address the recent budget reduction impacting education. This statement suggests the possibility of further conversations and revisions regarding the final allocation of funds for the education sector. Angara’s optimism indicates a willingness on the part of the administration to engage in dialogue and potentially make adjustments to ensure adequate funding for educational programs and initiatives. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by educators, students, and stakeholders invested in the future of Philippine education. “President Marcos”… Angara said, confidently anticipating a resolution to the budget concerns.
## Archyde Exclusive:



**Congressman Gutierrez Defends Education budget Cuts, Calls for DepEd Transparency**



**Manila,** –



A heated debate has ignited in Congress over the recent cuts to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget. Leading the charge is Congressman Rodge Gutierrez of the 1-Rider party-list who, while acknowledging the importance of education, defends the cuts as necessary to ensure responsible spending and accountability within the agency.



**”Good Money After Bad?”**



Gutierrez argues that the budget reduction is not an attack on education but a wake-up call. He asserts that Congress cannot continue to allocate funds without demanding accountability from the DepEd.



“”Secretary Angara may argue that education funding is sacrosanct,” Gutierrez stated during a recent interview, “but Congress cannot keep throwing good money after bad. This is not about depriving education; it’s about ensuring proper fund use and accountability.”



His comments come in the wake of a controversial Commission on Audit (CoA) report revealing significant underutilization of DepEd’s technology budget in 2023. The agency disbursed only P2.075 billion of its P11.36 billion allocation for technology equipment, raising concerns about management inefficiencies.



Compounding the issue is a delay in the delivery of laptops intended for teachers and staff, hindering efforts to modernize classrooms and equip educators wiht essential tools.



**Transparency Under Scrutiny**



Gutierrez is demanding answers, specifically regarding the unused funds highlighted by the CoA report.



“As former Senate Finance Committee chair, Sec. Angara knows that the law is clear: unused funds must be accounted for before new allocations can be made,” Gutierrez stated, reiterating the need for transparency and accountability within the DepEd.



**Consequences for Education?**



The debate over DepEd’s budget cuts has sparked anxieties among parents, teachers, and education advocates who fear that reduced funding will negatively impact students. They worry about larger class sizes,limited access to resources,and a decrease in extracurricular activities,especially in underserved communities.



Whether the DepEd can regain public trust and demonstrate responsible management of its budget remains to be seen. The approval of the 2025 budget will be a crucial indicator of Congress’s confidence in the agency’s ability to allocate resources effectively and prioritize the best interests of Filipino students.



**Archyde will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they emerge.**