THE Department of Education (DepEd) addressed on Monday, September 19, 2022, issues concerning the zero-budget for students with special needs under the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP).In a statement on Monday, September 19, 2022, DepEd admitted that the funds for the special education were not considered in the 2023 NEP.“This is a recurring circumstance every year, and DepEd is not at a loss because we always work with members of Congress to find other ways to fund DepEd programs,” it said.“In the past years, DepEd has likewise made efforts within the organization to ensure that programs are supported,” it added.Under the 2023 NEP, a P667-billion budget was allocated to the Deped and its attached agencies. Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio is the concurrent secretary of DepEd.A total of P666,252,738,000 will be allocated to the Office of the Secretary in support of its programs on education policy development, basic education inputs, inclusive education, support to schools and learners, and education human resource development. (SunStar Philippines)