SENATE President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian called for support for Senate Bill 54, or the proposed Adopt-A-School Act of 2025.
Under the proposed measure, private organizations and individuals in good standing — whether local or foreign — may assist institutions offering early childhood education, basic education, technical-vocational education and training, higher education, and the Alternative Learning System.
The bill aims to strengthen the existing Adopt-A-School Program by providing broader incentives for private sector partners while directing assistance to areas with the greatest need. Priority beneficiaries include fourth- and fifth-class local government units, as well as other localities facing severe resource shortages, inadequate education budgets, or large populations of economically disadvantaged but high-performing students.
Private sector support may take various forms, including the construction and rehabilitation of school facilities, teacher training and professional development programs, provision of instructional materials and learning technologies, scholarships, and other initiatives designed to improve the quality of education.
To encourage participation, the proposed legislation offers several incentives to adopting individuals and entities. These include a 50 percent additional tax deduction on qualified expenses incurred under the program, a 20 percent additional deduction for companies that hire senior high school graduates, naming rights for donated facilities or projects, and exemptions from import duties and taxes on qualified educational donations, where applicable.
Gatchalian emphasized that collaboration between the government and the private sector remains critical in addressing learning gaps, improving school infrastructure, and expanding educational opportunities for Filipino learners.
"When the government and the private sector work together, we can more quickly give every child the opportunity to receive a quality education," Gatchalian said.
This comes as the Department of Education intensifies efforts to improve learning outcomes, address classroom shortages, and enhance teacher support nationwide.
