CHED seeks release of funds for Yolanda-damaged SUCs

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) asked yesterday the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expedite the release of more than P800 million for the rehabilitation of 26 state colleges and universities (SUCs) damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

CHED executive director Julito Vitriolo said they have submitted to the DBM the list of damaged schools and the cost of repair as early as March 14.

He said P826.5 million will be disbursed directly to the Yolanda-affected SUCs in Regions 4B, 6, 7 and 8.

He identified the 10 schools that were heavily damaged by Yolanda as Eastern Samar State University, Eastern Visayas State University, Visayas State University, Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College, Capiz State University, University of the Philippines-Manila in Palo, Leyte, Romblon State University, Palompon Institute of Technology, Antique University and Aklan State University.

Vitriolo said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is still assessing the amount of repair of 25 other SUCs. He said over P1 billion is needed to rehabilitate private higher education institutions.

He said the government has allocated P3 billion this year for the rehabilitation of SUCs in Yolanda-hit regions.

Meanwhile, Vitriolo said they expect regular resumption of classes in the tertiary level in the regions hit by Yolanda.

He said like the basic educational institutions, some universities and colleges have also built temporary classrooms.

He also appealed to schools to accept students from Yolanda-affected areas even with incomplete credentials.

Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas on Nov. 8 last year, killing over 6,000 people.