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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Governor's group to LGUs: Use special education fund to aid underpaid teachers

Governor's group to LGUs: Use special education fund to aid underpaid teachers

Published Sep 20, 2025 01:04 pm
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) called on the local government units (LGUs) to use the Special Education Fund (SEF) to assist overworked teachers in the form of allowances and procurement of  teaching materials.
ULAP president Dakila “Dax’’ Cua said LGUs could also consider coming up with health and wellness programs including free annual physical exams (APE) and discounts on medical consultations, laboratory tests and emergency services for teachers and non-teaching personnel.
“If we get creative as well as use the SEF intelligently, we can create programs that would bring much-needed relief and aid to our teachers,” Cua said.
“We are in a position to lighten the burden carried by our teachers, so I hope we prioritize doing so because our educators are crucial in ensuring that our children have a better and brighter future,” he added.
Cua also urged the national government to help the LGUs properly utilize the SEF, amid reports by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) that the fund remains underutilized.
According to the EDCOM, between 2018 and 2022, SEF underutilization amounted to P15 billion in 2022, with the highest rate noted in cities at 57 percent.
“Perhaps the national government could help less capable LGUs on the technical side so that they could maximize fund use,” Cua noted.
The SEF is taken from the additional one percent on real property tax (RPT) that Republic Act  (RA) 7160 or “The Local Government Code’’ allows LGUs to impose and collect. 
The ULAP chief explained that the said tax is automatically released to the local school boards. 
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