By: Xhian Miguel Alsola
Cartoon: Mark Lorenzo Sales

Editor's Note: The following article does not reflect the views and opinions of the Pasay City National Science High School faculty, administration, and stakeholders.

In a recent ambush interview, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed that the 2025 national budget is sub-optimal and that the country is already working hard to remedy the problem. A problem that extends to the education sector as a result of the approval of the budget plan despite it being in complete shambles.

The passing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025 was already a heated topic for controversy not too long ago. Marcos’ statement simply proves exactly why. It is never a good sign when even the president of the country admits that the national budget, the foundation of the nation’s future, is flawed.

The Department of Education (DepEd) makes a great case for being the biggest victim, as the budget treats its title as being the top priority like a joke. Despite Marcos emphasizing several times that Philippine education must advance, DepEd fund allocation receives no significant increase. Expecting further development in the education sector when support stays stagnant is utter stupidity. After all, new output is impossible without new input.

The future looks bleak as it is much too late for any budget amendments, coercing the authorities to scour for any and every possible source to boost funds for departments in need. This is the only way out, however, as the authorities must pull out all the stops and cover budget gaps by any means possible. It is inevitable that savings will be tapped into. Throughout the entire fiasco, the student body takes the brunt of the force.

Students and scholars of the country have no need for a “sub-optimal” support system in budget form. The country must pull itself back up by recognizing its priorities and showing them through appropriate action. As of now, it is unclear whether the nation sees its students as the future or a secondary concern fit for the backburner.