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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Bacolod distributes free school supplies after months of delay

Bacolod distributes free school supplies after months of delay

Published Sep 17, 2025 10:14 pm
MAYOR Greg Gasataya leads the initial rollout on Wednesday, Sept, 17, of free school supplies in Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Communications Office)
MAYOR Greg Gasataya leads the initial rollout on Wednesday, Sept, 17, of free school supplies in Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – The city government has started distributing free school supplies to public elementary pupils after months of delay due to procurement procedures.
Mayor Greg Gasataya led the initial rollout in District 1 on Wednesday, Sept. 17, benefiting 7,000 pupils in six public schools – 1,206 from Andres Bonifacio Elementary School I, 1,543 from Andres Bonifacio Elementary School II, 1,789 from Banago Elementary School I, 1,016 from Banago Elementary School II, 1,366 from Mandalagan Elementary School, and 652 from Abkasa Elementary School.
Each received 10 notebooks, four pads of writing paper, a box of black ballpens, two red ballpens, two pencils, and a plastic envelope with a handle and zipper.
Gasataya said that they aim to complete distribution before the start of the next school year to help families shoulder back-to-school expenses and encourage students to pursue their education.
“Our request is for you to really study well. The city will support you as much as we can,” the mayor said.
The P32-million initiative faced setbacks due to adjustments under Republic Act (RA) 12009, the New Government Procurement Act.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Education, took responsibility for the delay and explained that changes in procurement policies under RA 9184 and the updated law caused disruptions in the timeline.
“We will make sure that the school supplies are delivered on time next school year,” Espino said.
The program is based on a 2016 ordinance authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, which institutionalized the annual provision of free school supplies to all public elementary students.

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