#BudgetWatch: DBM releases P10-B for classroom construction

We are compiling and publishing select press statements from the Budget department as part of our #BudgetWatch project. This is for reference purposes of groups and citizens interested in pronouncements made by Budget officials.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of P10 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of basic education facilities nationwide, supporting the Aquino administration’s commitment to close the longstanding classroom gap by 2013.

DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad said that the release will be used for the construction, replacement and completion of kindergarten, elementary and secondary school buildings and educational facilities in areas experiencing acute classroom shortage.

“This release is in line with the Aquino administration’s goal to close the nationwide classroom gap this year. By building enough classrooms and facilities that meet our students’ requirements, we can further enhance the learning environment in our public schools and give Filipino schoolchildren better leverage for academic excellence,” Abad said in a statement released on March 6, 2013.

NCR has highest share

Of the P10 billion, schools in NCR will receive the highest share amounting to P1.7 billon. This is followed by schools in Region IV-A, with an allocation amounting to P1.2 billion and schools in Region VIII with a total allocation of P827.7 million. 

The fund release also includes P683.8 million for schools in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“As we continue to work toward greater peace and security in the country, there is a real need to improve social services in communities where armed conflict has continually undermined growth. Schoolchildren in ARMM should most certainly benefit from the Administration’s education initiatives, and this fund release ensures that they will have enough well-built classrooms to accommodate them,” Abad said.    

The release was sourced from DepEd’s fund for Basic Education Facilities under the 2013 General Appropriations Act. DPWH, for its part, will administer the construction of the educational facilities based on a list of recipient schools identified by DepEd.

The DBM also confirmed that another P4.06 billion will be for the construction of more classrooms and educational facilities, pending the submission of a list of school recipients by DepEd. – Rappler.com