The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, May 21, assured that the provision of internet loads to teachers in public schools is “undergoing the usual procurement procedures” in the department.
“It is progressing and we are anticipating the completion of the process within month of June 2021,” DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla told reporters in a message.
DepEd issued this update after Senator Sonny Angara called on the department to “expedite the procurement and release” of connectivity load for its teachers - which, he said, was “something which should have been done months earlier.”
While DepEd understands the concern of Angara and other stakeholders, Sevilla said that “we also ask for understanding that spending and release of public funds have to follow usual procedures and rules.”
Sevilla said that this is the first time that DepEd will provide internet loads with funding that is very limited to accommodate the real or actual needs. “We aim to do it equitably and proper for the benefit of all,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sevilla explained that the allocation and use of all public funds are governed by the usual budget, accounting, procurement and auditing rules and regulations.
“DepEd is doing its best to deliver services and at the same time to be compliant with policies to ensure good governance such as transparency and accountability,” Sevilla said.
The DepEd, Sevilla explained, has been seeking clearance from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Commission on Audit (COA) to release “a policy authorizing grant of allowance” to employees performing tasks beyond usual functions - particularly during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Sevilla stressed that all benefits and allowances should be covered by a valid legal basis or oversight agency issuance, otherwise it will be considered as a “disallowance or unauthorized” expense.
The benefit that was authorized under administrative order (AO 261) of the President, Sevilla said, is “hazard pay during ECQ” and this is what the DepEd is implementing.
“There is no basis yet to release and pay ‘internet allowance’ for any government agency, hence DepEd resorted to procurement of internet load,” she added.
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Meanwhile, Sevilla said that Cash Allowance (CA) for teachers has been increased from P3,500 to P5,000 per year in the budget law for 2021.
“It will also cover the needs of the teachers for the delivery of a blended learning approach,” Sevilla said. “This is scheduled for release or pay at the start of the school year 2021-2022,” she added.