Catholic education authorities are calling for the immediate release of delayed government voucher funds, saying many private schools are still awaiting subsidy disbursements even after the school year ended in early April.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education (ECCE) urged the Department of Education and the Department of Budget and Management to expedite release of remaining subsidies.
In a joint appeal, the groups said a “considerable number” of private schools, especially small and financially vulnerable institutions, have yet to receive Educational Service Contracting (ESC) subsidies and Senior High School Voucher Program assistance for students.
They said the delays persist despite the end of School Year 2025–2026, leaving schools dependent on funds they described as essential for basic operations and financial stability.
Catholic school officials warned that rising electricity costs and other operating expenses are further tightening already strained budgets in many private institutions.
“The continued delay has placed serious strain on school finances at a time when institutions are already preparing for the next academic year,” the statement said.
The groups said unpaid subsidies are now affecting salaries, benefits, utilities and other obligations for both teaching and non-teaching personnel nationwide.
They added that government assistance remains a “lifeline” for many schools serving low-income communities and relying heavily on voucher programs to stay operational.
Citing Republic Act No. 8545, they stressed that the State recognizes private schools as partners in expanding access to education and easing congestion in public schools.
“The spirit and intent of the law affirm the principle of public-private complementarity in education and underscore the State’s commitment to sustaining the viability of private schools that help decongest the public education system,” the groups said.
CEAP and ECCE urged the DepEd and DBM to release pending subsidies without further delay to safeguard continuity of learning and institutional stability.
They said timely disbursement is crucial to prevent disruptions in school operations and ensure teachers, staff and learners are not further affected.
