FY 2026 NEP: Nurturing future-ready generations

(Part 2)

- DBM SECRETARY AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN

ssalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. Last Aug. 18, 2025, as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary and Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) Chair, I had the honor and privilege to brief the members of the House of Representatives on the P6.793 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

During my speech, I highlighted that the proposed FY 2026 national budget, with the theme, “Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation,” will prioritize upholding our people’s fundamental rights.

To do this, we, in the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM), are resolute in realizing the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, anchored on the following pillars: 1) Developing and protecting the capabilities of individuals and families; 2) Transforming production sectors to generate more quality jobs and competitive products; and 3) Creating an enabling environment.

In this week’s article, let us focus on a vital sector under the first pillar—education.

The heartbeat of the nation’s future

During his fourth State of the Nation Address, PBBM underscored that the education sector remains his top priority. I agree with and laud the President for emphasizing this. I believe that education is more than just a line item in the budget—it is the heartbeat of our nation’s future. This fuels our determination to resolve the education crisis, address child nutrition issues, and support our youth so they may find jobs and, more importantly, follow their dreams.