DIRECT funding for public schools across the Philippines is set to reach ₱61.02 billion under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), representing more than double the ₱30 billion allocated in 2022.
The Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) allocation forms a core component of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposed ₱975.96 billion overall budget for 2027, which recently cleared plenary deliberations in the House of Representatives.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that expanding direct school funding directly aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance basic education resources.
“By simplifying our funding formulas and steadily expanding per-learner operational support, we are removing unnecessary bottlenecks so our school administrators and teachers can focus on teaching rather than worrying about basic school upkeep,” Angara stated.
The proposed 2027 budget increases per-learner MOOE allocations across all levels of basic education.
Operational funding for elementary students (Kindergarten to Grade 6) will rise to ₱2,982 per learner, up from ₱2,792 in 2026 and ₱1,389 in 2024.
Junior High School (Grades 7 to 10) allocations will increase to ₱2,744 per learner from ₱2,631 in 2026.
Senior High School (Grades 11 to 12) support will see the highest per-student allocation at ₱3,558, up from ₱3,264 in 2026 and ₱2,306 in 2024.
Overall, the proposed school-level operating fund totals ₱61.02 billion, slightly up from the ₱60.89 billion provided under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
To ensure faster and more equitable disbursement, DepEd is rolling out the Simplified Normative Funding Formula (SNFF).
Replacing a rigid, multi-parameter system that complicated local budget calculations, the new normative model uses enrollment and baseline school metrics to allocate resources efficiently.
DepEd noted that combining sustained MOOE increases with the simplified funding mechanism guarantees that public schools remain functional, safe, and adequately equipped to meet operational standards.
