Nearly P6 billion will be spent on the funding of 1,834 new classrooms in 216 schools across the country.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of a special allotment release order (SARO) of P5.830 billion for the joint request of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The amount, which was released last March 18, aims to support the first batch of DepEd's basic education facilities fund.
The fund covers the improvement and maintenance of school facilities such as the provision of classroom and workshop buildings, replacement of old dilapidated buildings, provision of furniture, repair and rehabilitation of classrooms, including water and sanitation facilities, and electrification.
It also involves the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings, as well as technical vocational laboratories.
The project includes installing or upgrading disability access facilities, ensuring compliance with DPWH’s accessible and universal design principles.
Water and sanitation facilities and site improvements will also enhance educational infrastructure in all income-class municipalities and cities nationwide.
“The timely release of funds for the project signifies our dedication and commitment to help in building a brighter future for our young learners,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
“Together, we shape a Philippines where education is the cornerstone of lasting development and prosperity as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Bagong Pilipinas,” she added.
Last month, DBM also approved SARO amounting to a total of P1.295 billion for the same fund to DepEd that will cover electrification and electrical systems modernization of public schools in the Cordillera Administrative Region, CARAGA, National Capital Region, and Regions 1 to 12.
It will particularly be spent on the upgrading of existing electrical power systems of existing buildings, purchasing and installing appropriate transformers, and/or purchasing and installing solar power systems if needed and suitable for renewable energy use,