P327-M worth of DepEd projects to lapse in December

MANILA, Philippines – Some P327-million worth of school building repair and construction projects funded in 2015 have yet to start, with the Department of Education (DepEd) reminding concerned officials that the allocation would lapse by the end of the year.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones issued an advisory urging regional directors and division superintendents to obligate dozens of infrastructure projects across the country as it would lapse in December.

The projects are funded through the 2015 budget, particularly by the department’s Quick Response Fund and the allocation for construction and repair of central and regional office buildings, repair of public schools, and rehabilitation of Gabaldon buildings.

“In view of the mission of the department to implement projects to ensure the availability and delivery of programs, projects, activities for formal and alternative learning systems, all concerned are advised to give their prompt attention to the remaining months to obligate the allotments included in the 2015 budget,” Briones said.

“These are considered valid for obligation until the end of year 2016 only,” she added.

The list included over P80-million worth of projects covering the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings, as well as more than P62 million worth of repairs funded by the quick response fund.

Projects included in the two lists have yet to start despite the allocation being made in 2015.

Meanwhile, more than P184-million worth of construction or repair of DepEd central, regional or division office buildings have yet to be obligated.

Briones earlier pledged to address the slow implementation of projects, which receives the biggest national government budget.