Esports PH | MAKATI CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) is steering a more strategic 2026 budget push to scale up its Inclusive Education programs, ensuring wider and more equitable learning access nationwide. Guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas direction, Education Secretary Sonny Angara is proactively leading initiatives that ensure learners with disabilities, indigenous communities, out-of-school youth, and other marginalized groups receive equitable and meaningful opportunities in basic education.
A significant portion of the agency’s proposed FY 2026 budget, subject for bicameral conference review, is set to reinforce key programs that support millions of learners with disabilities, indigenous peoples, at-risk youth, and other marginalized groups who have historically faced barriers to education.
“Kasama sa mga pinakamahalagang prayoridad natin at ni President Bongbong Marcos ang pagtitiyak na mas magiging inklusibo ang ating edukasyon—para mabigyan sila ng patas at mas malawak na pagkakataong abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap,†Secretary Angara said.
The Special Needs Education (SNED) program, which provides vital assistance to learners with special needs, is set to receive a PhP1.04-billion allocation based on the agency’s proposed budget recently approved by the Senate.
Next year, DepEd has proposed PhP897 million for the Alternative Learning System (ALS), enabling more than 639,782 ALS learners nationwide to continue their education journey. The program will also deliver capacity-building initiatives for 500 ALS implementers, with a strong focus on micro-certification to uplift teaching competencies.
The agency is likewise securing PhP521.62 million to strengthen the Madrasah Education Program for Muslim learners, benefiting around 194,355 ALIVE learners across 4,046 schools. The Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) program will receive PhP154 million for 2026, extending support to approximately 482,329 IPEd learners.
Since Secretary Angara introduced the Five-Point Reform Agenda a year ago, DepEd has made decisive strides in advancing inclusion, including the rollout of Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) facilities equipped with e-libraries, instructional materials, and other essential tools tailored for diverse learners.
Angara also reaffirmed the agency’s focus on ALS to uplift learners seeking a second chance at education. In partnership with UNICEF, around 400 ALS learners have completed the Micro-Certification Program—giving them improved pathways to employment and livelihood.
DepEd has likewise secured a partnership with Special Olympics Pilipinas to champion the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities through transformative sports programs.
Moving forward, Angara emphasized the need to accelerate initiatives that will further institutionalize inclusive education across the system.
The agency’s Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) is also developing the Screening using AI-Based Assistance for Young Children (SABAY) project, which introduces an AI-powered digital tool to help identify learners who may be at risk of developmental delays or disabilities.
Angara reaffirmed that the agency remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every learner—regardless of condition, identity, or circumstance—has access to quality and empowering education.