The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Computerization Program suffered another setback as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed an additional P5 billion from the program under the P6.326-trillion 2025 national budget. This brings the total cut to the initiative to P15 billion after Congress had already slashed P10 billion earlier, PhilStar reported.
The program, which aims to equip schools with digital tools and resources for modern teaching and learning, has faced criticism over budget reductions. Education Secretary Sonny Angara and various teacher groups previously expressed frustration over the cuts, warning of the negative impact on digital transformation in education.
Marcos’ veto message also included P76.991 billion in unprogrammed funds intended for other priority social programs, including higher education, technical and vocational training, and social welfare. Critics argue that these vetoes undermine efforts to address the pressing needs of underfunded sectors.
Congress had earlier justified the initial P10-billion reduction, citing DepEd’s low utilization rates and procurement delays during Vice President Sara Duterte’s term as education secretary. The additional P5 billion veto further hampers the program, raising questions about the government’s commitment to digitalizing education.
Despite the vetoes, Marcos maintained that education remains a priority, with the sector receiving a total allocation of P1.056 trillion for 2025. However, civil society groups and lawmakers criticized the executive for what they called “deceptive budgeting,” pointing out that the combined infrastructure budgets of other agencies still surpass education allocations.
The 2025 General Appropriations Act, signed into law as Republic Act 12116, will take effect on January 1, 2025.
