A Game-Changing Win for Education: DepEd Celebrates Breakthrough Tax Incentive Reform Under PBBM’s Agenda

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In a historic move that could redefine the landscape of public-private partnerships in Philippine education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has hailed the release of Revenue Regulations No. 13-2025 as a game-changer—transforming red tape into real impact and bringing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s education reform agenda to life.

The regulation, jointly crafted by the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (DOF-BIR), is not just a technical adjustment. It is a clarion call to the private sector, philanthropic institutions, and civic-minded enterprises: help is no longer hindered. This is a bold step toward inclusive, transformative, and sustainable change for millions of Filipino learners.

Unleashing the Power of Generosity

For decades, well-meaning corporations and donors faced a maze of bureaucracy when trying to support public schools. Now, RR 13-2025 shatters those barriers by simplifying tax incentive processes under three key laws:

Republic Act No. 8525, the Adopt-a-School Act,

Republic Act No. 12063, the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, and

The National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

Under the new guidelines, eligible donors can enjoy:

Exemption from donor’s tax under specific provisions of the Tax Code,

Full deductions of directly incurred program costs from gross income, plus an additional 50% deduction (subject to conditions),

Flexible valuation methods for various donation types—from cash to real estate—allowing greater accommodation for corporate contributions.

“This reform transforms generosity into impact,” declared Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “By making it easier for private partners to give, we make it easier for learners to thrive—especially in hard-to-reach communities.”

Turning Frustration Into Fuel for Reform

The timing of this regulatory overhaul is crucial. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has long pointed out the sluggish pace of tax endorsement applications—with only 476 endorsements granted since 2018. That’s less than 100 per year, an alarming figure in a country where over 20 million public school students rely on chronically underfunded infrastructure and educational resources.

“With less red tape and more clarity, we are unlocking new opportunities to address gaps in school infrastructure, resources, and technical training,” Angara emphasized.

Now, DepEd expects a tidal wave of renewed engagement, with companies no longer seeing donations as a bureaucratic burden but as a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

Proof of a Working Government

More than just an administrative win, RR 13-2025 exemplifies President Marcos’ whole-of-government approach. It's an embodiment of his commitment to responsive governance, strategic synergy, and inclusive development. The regulation is the result of multiple agencies breaking down silos and working in lockstep—DOF, BIR, DepEd, and other stakeholders—all converging around a common goal: education as a national priority.

“President Marcos has emphasized the need for responsive governance and strategic partnerships,” Angara noted. “RR 13-2025 is proof of how different agencies can work together to support education reform and economic inclusion.”

Not Just Tax Perks—But Transformative Power

DepEd isn’t stopping with the regulation’s release. The agency is now ramping up its outreach to private companies, social enterprises, and civil society organizations, urging them to take advantage of the reformed Adopt-a-School Program.

This isn’t merely about reducing taxes—it’s about redefining impact. Every donation can now be a direct line to a better future for a struggling school, an underserved student, or an entire marginalized community.

“More than tax perks, they’re pathways to real, life-changing impact for our Filipino learners,” Secretary Angara concluded.

With the dawn of RR 13-2025, the message is clear: If you’ve ever wanted to help build the nation through education, now is the time. The door is wide open—and the future is waiting.

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