100,000 Bacolod students to receive free school supplies, uniforms
THE city government of Bacolod is distributing free school supplies for students this school year.
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya said over 100,000 public school students in this highly-urbanized city will receive free school supplies, PE uniforms, and school bags from the city government before the June 8 class opening.
During a media briefing on Monday, May 4, Gasataya said the initiative has a P90-million budget sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF) and will benefit 64,625 learners from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and 46,694 students from Grade 7 to Grade 12.
An additional P50 million has been allocated for this year’s expanded free educational materials program in line with City Ordinance No. 09-16-787, augmenting the previous school year’s budget of close to P32 million.
Elementary and pre-school pupils will receive notebooks, pens, pencils, pad paper, and school bags, among other basic supplies. High school students will be provided with school bags and PE uniforms.
This city is including PE uniforms for senior high school for the first time as part of efforts to support learners amid current economic and energy challenges.
Gasataya acknowledged that while the initiative may not fully address all needs, it is intended to help families cope with rising costs and ensure students can start the school year prepared.
He stressed the city’s commitment to keeping children in school despite financial pressures.
Gasataya emphasized that the program is not merely an expense from the city government but an investment in the city’s youth, aligning with a 2016 ordinance mandating annual distribution of educational materials to public elementary students.
Last year’s distribution was delayed and only released in September due to procurement issues tied to the implementation of the New Government Procurement Act (Republic Act 12009).
For this school year, Gasataya said the city is working to ensure smoother and earlier distribution in coordination with the Department of Education-Schools Division of Bacolod.
“Everything will be ready before June 8. We guarantee and assure the parents they have nothing to worry,” the mayor said.