The Finance Committee reported that US$1.6412 billion would be allocated to this sector, of which US$116.4 million would be earmarked for the UES, thus continuing to reduce the technological gap. Additionally, the Ministry of Education will secure resources for programs related to the Ley Crecer Juntos
The 2026 General State Budget, totaling US$10.5556 billion with a zero budget deficit, prioritizes the allocation of resources to strategic pillars of the Government, including the Education sector.
According to studies conducted by the Finance Committee, the Ministry of Finance has allocated a total of US$1,641.2 million to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology for next year, an increase of US$100.8 million compared to 2025, representing an estimated year-on-year growth of 6.54%.
Of that amount, the Universidad de El Salvador (UES), will receive US$116.4 million, an increase of US$2.3 million compared to this year’s approved budget.
The priority of this government is the comprehensive education of its citizens; this is why state funding for this sector has increased, as explained by the Minister of Education, Karla Trigueros, who was the official received by the members of the legislative working group.
Trigueros indicated that previous governments bequeathed an education system that had fallen into decline. Today, under the government of President Nayib Bukele, investment in the education of children and young people has been significantly higher.
“We are reversing decades of neglect and abandonment, as well as creating opportunities for children, adolescents, young people, and adults to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams through education”, the minister said. “We are closing the digital divide and working very hard to ensure that everyone has access to technology”, she said.
Institutional priorities for 2026
According to the official, the ministry will ensure resources for programs and projects related to the Ley Crecer Juntos para la Protección Integral de la Primera Infancia, Niñez y Adolescencia.
US$170.5 million will be allocated to the “Crecer y Aprender Juntos: Desarrollo Integral de la Primera Infancia” program to continue strengthening the comprehensive development of children through the implementation of structural quality standards, ongoing training for early childhood and preschool teachers, the provision of educational materials, and the improvement of educational infrastructure.
The “Mi nueva escuela” Program, with a budget of US$140 million, will allow for progress in the construction, improvement, rehabilitation, and technological equipping of preschool, primary, and secondary schools located in priority areas.
To reduce the digital divide in schools, with a budget of US$101 million, the distribution of technological devices, including tablets and Chromebooks, to students and teachers will continue, thus contributing to strengthening teaching and learning processes and improving technological skills.
Furthermore, to improve the quality and coverage of the “Nacer, Crecer y Aprender” Program, with US$12.6 million, early childhood and preschool education will be expanded through the construction of classrooms and the transformation of child development centers. This plan supports flexible secondary education for vulnerable youth, with blended and accelerated learning options, and promotes digital transformation.
The Education System Modernization Program, with a budget of US$60.03 million, will promote the transformation of the sector through the incorporation of educational technologies, the development of structured pedagogies, and the strengthening of teacher support, among other actions.
Investment in education in each five-year period
Comparing the current five-year period, led by President Nayib Bukele, with those of previous administrations reveals progress and increased economic investment in education.
For example, during the ARENA administrations, US$448.4 million was invested under former President Francisco Flores, and US$571.95 million under Antonio Saca. Meanwhile, during the two FMLN administrations, a total of US$791.01 million was invested under former President Mauricio Funes, and US$948.37 million under former President Salvador Sánchez Cerén.
Comparing the amount invested by Saca to date, the increase is $1,069.25, with the amount for next year projected to be US$1,641.2.
“Education was not a priority for previous administrations, and we can’t ignore this fact. Currently, opposition members of Congress do not vote for education programs, yet they are the first to demand improvements in the sector”, said representative William Soriano to the official.
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