Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said support for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and learners with disabilities is secured in the 2026 General Appropriations Act as lawmakers push to widen access to inclusive education nationwide.
Under the 2026 national budget, the government allocated P4.917 billion for Flexible Learning Options aimed at reaching learners outside the formal school system.
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Of this amount, P897 million is earmarked for the ALS, while P400.67 million is set aside for Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) programs that allow more flexible approaches to basic education.
“In the 2026 budget, our commitment to inclusive education is clear, and no ALS learner or learner with a disability will be left behind,” said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.
An additional P3.62 billion is allocated for learning resources to be used across ALS and ADM programs to improve instructional quality and learner support.
The budget also includes P56 million from the Basic Education Facilities Program for the construction of ALS Community Learning Centers across selected areas.
Priority for these centers will be given to communities with limited access to formal schooling, high numbers of out-of-school children in special cases, and adults who lack basic literacy or were unable to complete their education.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is likewise advancing a more strategic 2026 budget agenda to scale up inclusive education programs in line with the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara is leading initiatives to expand opportunities for learners with disabilities, indigenous communities, out-of-school youth, and other marginalized groups.
“Ensuring that our education system becomes more inclusive is among the top priorities of President Bongbong Marcos and myself, so learners are given fairer and broader opportunities to achieve their dreams,” Angara said.
DepEd also plans to conduct capacity-building activities for 500 ALS implementers, with an emphasis on micro-certification to improve teaching competencies.
Support for Muslim learners is boosted through a proposed P521.62 million allocation for the Madrasah Education Program, benefiting more than 194,000 ALIVE learners.
The Indigenous Peoples Education Program is set to receive P154 million to assist over 482,000 indigenous learners across the country.
DepEd is also advancing inclusive initiatives such as AI-assisted early screening tools and partnerships that promote learning, sports, and employment pathways for learners seeking a second chance at education.
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