P775.5M released for classrooms

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management has released P775.5 million for the construction of classrooms in areas with classroom-to-students ratio of 50:1.  A total of P764.4 million will be allocated for 16 regions while P11 million will be released to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to a DBM statement.

This will be the fourth batch of funds released from the Basic Education Facilities Fund which is used for the construction, rehabilitation and repair of school buildings in areas experiencing acute classroom shortage. The fund is also used for construction of facilities and acquisition of school materials for public schools.

“Although we’ve closed the classroom gap based on our 2010 backlog target, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. We’re rebuilding classrooms in the wake of the recent calamities even as we take into the account the rising number of students each year,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

The Budget secretary added that the said fund release would address classroom shortage and improve basic facilities in schools.

“These releases will ensure our schools are prepared and well-provided for, especially with the K to 12 program that requires the proper facilities and equipment. Education reform is one of the key priorities of the Aquino administration and this release will boost our commitment to the education of future generations,” Abad said. — Philippine Star News Service