MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, revealed on January 12, 2026, that P9 billion has been allocated in the 2026 national budget specifically for the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP), a key initiative to address learning losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent disruptions.
Gatchalian, who has been a strong advocate for learning recovery since 2022, emphasized that the funding will support targeted interventions for millions of students still struggling with foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Key Details of the P9B Allocation
- Total Budget for NLRP: P9 billion (a significant increase from previous years)
- Primary Focus:
- Remedial classes and tutoring programs
- Teacher training and capacity building
- Development and distribution of learning recovery materials
- Assessment tools to identify students needing support
- Digital and printed resources for blended learning
- Target Beneficiaries: Primarily public school students from kindergarten to Grade 10, with priority for those in low-performing schools and disadvantaged communities.
- Implementing Agencies: Department of Education (DepEd), with coordination from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and local government units.
Gatchalian stated during a briefing:
“We cannot afford to lose another generation to learning poverty. The P9 billion is a strong commitment from the national government to help our learners catch up and thrive. This is not just about recovery — it’s about building a stronger foundation for the future.”
The allocation comes after years of advocacy, with Gatchalian noting that learning recovery remains a national priority despite fiscal constraints and competing budget demands.
Context & Impact
- Learning Crisis: Post-pandemic assessments (e.g., PISA, SEA-PLM) showed Filipino students lagging significantly in reading and math.
- Previous Funding: The 2025 budget allocated around P5–6 billion for similar initiatives; the 2026 increase reflects growing urgency.
- Expected Outcomes: Reach millions of students, reduce dropout rates, and improve national test scores over the next 2–3 years.
Here are some visuals related to the learning recovery program — students in remedial classes, DepEd materials, and Gatchalian advocating for education funding.
A much-needed boost for education recovery — let’s hope for effective implementation!