MANILA, Philippines -- The government is set to spend P3 billion to develop science and technology education if Congress approves the P1.425-trillion budget for 2009, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya said.

In a statement, Andaya said P1.942 billion would be used to construct 750 science laboratories worth P1.9 million each. The allocation is almost triple the P689.4 million allotted to build science laboratories this year.

The remainder of the P3 billion would be used to construct 450 information technology centers and computer laboratories in public schools, Andaya said.

Andaya said P202.5 million would be allotted to purchase computer packages, which include wireless internet access.