* Fund Educational Programs and Services: This is the primary purpose. The budget allocates resources to various levels of education (basic, secondary, tertiary) and to different programs within those levels. This includes teacher salaries, school infrastructure development and maintenance, learning materials (textbooks, supplies), scholarships and financial assistance, and administrative costs.
* Improve the Quality of Education: The budget aims to support initiatives that enhance the quality of teaching and learning. This can include teacher training and professional development, the procurement of modern educational technologies, curriculum development and revision, and support for research and innovation in education.
* Increase Access to Education: A key goal is to make education more accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or disability. The budget helps fund programs like scholarships, alternative learning systems for marginalized groups, and the construction of schools in underserved areas.
* Promote Equity in Education: The budget strives to address inequalities in educational opportunities. This means allocating resources to areas and populations with greater needs, ensuring that all students have access to quality education regardless of their background.
* Achieve Educational Goals and Targets: The budget is aligned with national educational goals and targets outlined in the country's development plans. It provides the financial framework to implement these goals, such as improving literacy rates, increasing secondary school completion rates, and boosting participation in higher education.
* Accountability and Transparency: The budget process requires transparency and accountability. It allows for public scrutiny of how educational funds are being used and ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. This fosters trust in the government's commitment to education.
In essence, the budget in Philippine education acts as the roadmap and funding mechanism to realize the country's vision for a quality, accessible, and equitable education system for all its citizens. However, the effectiveness of the budget depends on factors like efficient allocation, proper implementation, and robust monitoring mechanisms.