The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, Aug. 17, maintained that the deficiencies pointed out by the Commission on Audit (COA) were mainly brought about by the impact of the lockdowns imposed nationwide due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country.
“These deficiencies were the result of various processes being delayed due to Alternative Work Arrangements, and the restricted mobility during the nationwide lockdowns,” DepEd Undersecretary for Finance and Spokesperson Annalyn Sevilla said in a statement sent to Manila Bulletin.
In the 2020 Consolidated Annual Audit Report (CAAR), COA flagged DepEd after finding deficiencies in spending P8 billion in funds for its BE-LCP amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Sevilla explained the DepEd “has already submitted to COA an update regarding the P8 billion funds for BE-LCP, complete with documentation of the utilization of said funds.” DepEd, Sevilla added, has been addressing the deficiencies reported on CAAR 2020.
“In addition, the validity of these funds have also been extended (until June 30, 2021 for BA2, and December 31, 2021 for GAA2020) prior to the report being finalized,” she explained.
Based on monitoring reports, Sevilla explained that the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (BA1 and BA2) funds allocated for the BE-LCP have already reached an obligation rate of 92.56 percent and 62.29 percent, respectively.
“We have also submitted the report on the utilization of BA DepEd-funds to congress and senate,” Sevilla added.
Meanwhile, Sevilla emphasized that “none of the initial findings pertained to corruption or negligence and that the report is a recommendation by COA to help address deficiencies and improve the management of the budget.”
Sevilla added that DepEd is thankful to COA and “remains committed to improving our services.”