MANILA, Philippines — Underspending in the Department of Education (DepEd) has significantly dropped last year following fiscal reforms implemented under the new administration, education officials reported last week.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said underspending dropped from 12 percent in 2015 to 10 percent in 2016 and only three percent last year. This, despite significant increases in DepEd budget, from P351.1 billion in 2015 to P412.4 billion in 2016 and P472 billion last year.
“Since we are committed to support the President’s 10-point socio-economic agenda and implement the 10-point agenda of the DepEd, it is inevitable to get the best and the brightest individuals to join my team who are experts in the field of public financial management,” Briones said.