MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is facing scrutiny after Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero revealed on Tuesday that over P36 billion allocated for its computerization program remains unused over the past three years.

The disclosure follows the decision of Congress’ bicameral conference committee to remove DepEd’s P10 billion request for its 2025 computerization program. Escudero noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can still augment DepEd’s budget using unspent funds without vetoing other items in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“There are several unspent items in the DepEd budget that can be used, particularly from the funds allocated for DepEd’s computerization program from 2022 to 2024,” Escudero said, citing official submissions by DepEd during budget hearings.

Unused funds over three years

According to Escudero, significant portions of DepEd’s budget for its computerization program have remained unutilized:

• In 2022, P13.068 billion was allocated, but P10.03 billion remained unobligated.
• In 2023, DepEd used only 50 percent of its P20.4 billion allocation.
• In 2024, P15.9 billion of the P18.08 billion budget remains unspent.

In total, P36.13 billion across three years was left unused — an amount far exceeding the P10 billion DepEd sought to restore in its 2025 budget.

Escudero cautioned that the P10.034 billion in unobligated funds from 2022 will revert to the National Treasury by the end of this year due to non-utilization.

Vice President Sara Duterte, who is now facing multiple controversies for alleged mismanagement of the department and the Office of the Vice President, previously led the education department. She resigned from her post in June.

Concerns over fund utilization

While Congress remains supportive of education funding, Escudero said the importance of ensuring that DepEd can effectively utilize the funds it receives.

“These allocations for education will not help anyone unless the DepEd properly spends them on the projects they are intended for,” he said. 

“From 2022 to 2024, 70 percent of the P51.5 billion allotted for the DepEd computerization program were unspent.”

Escudero explained that the decision to remove the P10 billion request reflects Congress’ need to balance funding priorities with an agency’s capacity to implement its programs.

“Tinitingnan natin hindi lang ‘yung purpose ng pondo, kundi ang kakayahan at kapasidad ng ahensya gamitin ang pondo nila. All these factors are taken into consideration,” he said.

Implications for DepEd’s programs

The computerization program, aimed at improving digital infrastructure in public schools, remains a critical initiative. However, Escudero’s statements have raised questions about DepEd’s ability to implement projects efficiently and meet its targets.

The senator likened the situation to unnecessary spending: 

“Parang lumabas kayo ng kaibigan mo at nagyaya s’ya sa buffet, sagot mo. Nakita mo, mahina pala kumain. Kung magayaya ‘yan uli lumabas, malamang ‘di mo na dadalhin sa buffet ‘yun, sa may mga set meal na lang kasi sayang ang gastos.”

While Escudero acknowledged the importance of supporting education, he emphasized the need for accountability to ensure that public funds translate into tangible benefits.

The road ahead for DepEd

The revelations placed added pressure on DepEd to address concerns over its budget utilization and justify its requests for additional funding. Stakeholders are now looking for clear steps from DepEd to improve its implementation processes, particularly for programs vital to bridging the digital divide in public schools.

Marcos earlier said that he will restore the P10 billion slashed from the proposed funding for the department in 2025. 

The proposed 2025 budget is set to be signed before December 25.