The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allocated an additional P3 billion that will fund the repair and rehabilitation of elementary and secondary school buildings.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) that amounts to P3.05 billion to cover the funding requirements for the improvement of public school infrastructure.

“It has always been our goal to improve the quality of education that we can provide to every Filipino and empower them with the necessary tools to improve his or her quality of life. This coming 2024, we will continue investing in education,” Pangandaman said in a statement.

Some P1.861 billion was initially released as part of the P4.911 billion total authorized appropriations, which will be used for the rehabilitation, renovation, repair, and improvement of public school buildings as stated in the Repair All Policy.

The Marcos administration reinstated its commitment to investing in the country's education infrastructure and making its education system on the same level as other nations, the DBM chief said.

“Mahigpit na tagubilin po ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na bigyan ng disente at komportableng pasilidad ang mga estudyante upang maayos silang makapag-aral,” she said.

[It is a crucial instruction from the President to give Filipino students decent and comfortable facilities so that they can study properly.]

“Sa pagdating ng Bagong Pilipinas, hindi po tayo basta mamimili lang ng mga lugar. Nasa Maynila ka man o sa malayong probinsya, gagawin natin ang lahat upang maisaayos ang lahat education facilities sa bansa,” Pangandaman added.

[As the New Philippines comes, we will not cherry-pick areas. Whether you’re in Manila or faraway provinces, we will do everything to fix all the education facilities in the country.]

The budget, which the Education Department requested, will be released to the Department of Public Works and Highways under the 2023 General Appropriations Act.