Senator Win Gatchalian assured that the proposed 2026 national budget includes substantial funding for free internet access and school electrification, addressing thousands of unconnected and unenergized public schools nationwide. Under the Senate’s committee report, ₱5 billion is allocated to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the Free Public Internet Access Program. Gatchalian also introduced an amendment ensuring that the program will prioritize Department of Education (DepEd) schools and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

DepEd is likewise set to receive ₱1.5 billion to improve internet connectivity in public schools, with around 12,000 still offline. Meanwhile, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) is allotted ₱3.6 billion for energizing unpowered or off-grid schools, an issue still affecting about 6,000 public schools.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said the combined allocations are enough to meet at least half of the nationwide requirements for school internet access and electrification. “Hopefully in two years, wala na tayong problema with electrification and internet connectivity sa ating mga public schools,” he said.