MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has turned over P575.3 million to the Department of Education (DepEd) in line with the Aquino administration’s commitment to improve educational facilities nationwide.
DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad said the amount, which will be charged against DepEd’s fund for the Requirement of Basic Education Facilities under the 2013 General Appropriations Act, will be used to cover the acquisition of school desks, furniture and other educational fixtures in public schools all over the country.
“Besides meeting President Aquino’s goal to close the long standing classroom gap within the year, we also want to ensure that all school buildings will be equipped with enough school tables and chairs. This will help ensure that students will no longer learn their lessons in cramped classrooms, where children are forced to share chairs or remain standing just so they can attend their classes,†Abad said.
“The fund release is part of our strategy to create a better learning environment for our schoolchildren. With enough tables and chairs in each classroom, students will be in a better position to focus on their lessons, excel academically and, ultimately, improve their overall school performance,†he added.
Of the total fund release, schools in ARMM will receive the highest share amounting to P88 million followed by Region V with an allocation of P69 million, and the National Capital Region with P56 million.