DOF pushes SEF reforms

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF), along with other national agencies, has issued a joint circular aimed at strengthening the Special Education Fund (SEF) by establishing clear and transparent guidelines to address learning gaps and enhance education outcomes nationwide.

Tasked with consolidating data on SEF receipts, the DOF-Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) is also responsible for overseeing budget allocation and disbursements based on reports submitted by local budget officers and treasurers.

“Our goal is to also equip every Filipino with a strong educational foundation and future-ready skills, especially in fast-evolving, artificial intelligence-driven industries. We want to produce the best and the brightest workforce in the world,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.

Other signatories include the Department of Education, the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

In addition, the DOF-BLGF is mandated to closely oversee and ensure that local government units consistently submit their quarterly SEF, reinforcing accountability and transparency in the management of education-related resources.

The circular also outlines the establishment, duties, and responsibilities of local school boards, which play a central role in overseeing the management and utilization of SEF.

The finance department’s key initiatives in crafting the circular reinforced systems that promote stricter monitoring and greater transparency in the usage of the SEF align with the administration’s objective of enhancing the overall quality of basic education.

”On top of this, the DOF also supports the SEF, which finances the maintenance of schools, teacher allowances, educational resources, and other learning essentials beyond what is covered by the national budget,” it said.

Recto reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to prioritize education, emphasizing that the Filipino people remain the nation’s greatest asset.

The DOF chief said the agency is ready to support students’ needs to help secure a better future.