A party-list lawmaker has called for the immediate release of remaining government subsidies and voucher program payments owed to private schools for School Year 2025-2026, warning that further delays could weaken institutions already struggling with rising operating costs.
There was an earlier appeal of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education for the expedited release of pending assistance to private educational institutions, which was backed by.Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, the chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education
“This is an education emergency for many private schools, especially small, mission-driven, and financially vulnerable institutions serving low-income families and underserved communities,” the solon said.
He said government subsidies and voucher assistance are essential to the operations of many private schools, particularly those that rely on state support to pay teachers and non-teaching personnel, maintain classrooms, and prepare for the next academic year.
“For these schools, subsidy support is not supplemental. It helps keep classrooms open, supports teachers and non-teaching personnel, and allows schools to continue delivering education despite mounting financial pressures,” he added.
The lawmaker said the problem has become more urgent as private schools face higher costs for fuel, electricity, transportation, maintenance, school supplies, and other daily requirements.
“Many private schools are doing everything they can to keep education accessible and affordable, especially for families who rely on government assistance so their children can remain in school,” he said.
Acidre urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Education (DepEd), and other concerned agencies to work together to ensure the prompt release of all pending subsidies and voucher program assistance.
He said timely payment would help protect educational continuity, stabilize school operations, and support the welfare of both learners and educators.
“The prompt release of these funds will help protect educational continuity, institutional stability, and the welfare of both learners and educators,” Acidre said.
He also said the passage of the 2026 national budget as an “education budget” should be felt across the entire sector, including private schools that help the government deliver basic education services.
He cited Republic Act No. 8545, which recognizes private education as a partner of the State in providing accessible and quality education to Filipino learners.
“At a time when schools are facing rising costs, tighter finances, and increasing pressure to prepare for the next academic year, the government must respond with speed, compassion, and responsibility,” Acidre said.
“Our schools deserve timely support. Our teachers and school personnel deserve certainty. Our learners deserve continuity. And our education system deserves a government that keeps its promise,” he added.