DepEd 2027 Budget Has No Funding for New Teachers
The Department of Education (DepEd) may not be able to hire new public school teachers in 2027 under its current proposed budget.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed during a congressional budget hearing on September 7 that funding for new teacher positions was set at zero in the proposed DepEd 2027 budget. The agency, however, is hoping lawmakers will restore funding as Congress continues reviewing the national spending plan.
The Ask: 14,274 New Teachers
DepEd had requested an additional ₱49.16 billion for its “personnel improvement” program, including ₱4.29 billion to hire 14,274 new teachers.
When asked if the funding for new teacher hiring had been zeroed out, Angara answered, “Yes.”
He added that the requested positions were part of the agency’s “wish list” and that DepEd hoped its budget would be increased during the congressional budget process.
For reference, the agency typically hires around 20,000 teachers each year. And in 2026 alone, it received funding for around 32,000 new teachers, well above its usual average.
A Lower Proposed Budget
The issue comes as the DepEd 2027 budget is also smaller than its allocation for this year.
Under the 2027 National Expenditure Program, DepEd was earmarked ₱973.40 billion, down 3.87% from its roughly ₱1.01-trillion budget in 2026.
Aside from teachers, DepEd also requested additional funding for other positions. Its personnel improvement proposal includes ₱16. 64 billion for 39,428 Project Development Officer I positions and ₱10.52 billion for 14,126 School Principal I positions.
READ: The 5-Point Reform Agenda: How DepEd Plans to Transform Philippine Education by 2035
Subject to Change
While the current DepEd 2027 budget does not include funding for new teacher hires, the proposal is not yet final.
Congress is currently reviewing the government’s ₱7.2-trillion spending plan and can still adjust the allocations before the budget is enacted. This means funding for new teachers could still be restored or increased during the legislative process.
