DBM OKs release of P15.1 billion for construction of almost 5K classrooms
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved releasing P15.1 billion to construct 4,912 classrooms.
The DBM on Wednesday said its chief Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved on May 15 the release of funds for the classrooms, which will be built in 1,194 sites.
“The timely release of these funds, a joint request of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), demonstrates that the PBBM administration does not hold back on investing in education. We need to build and repair classrooms to keep up with increasing enrollment in our public schools,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
The DBM said the total P15,020,282,176.00 construction cost covers the following:
– the construction, replacement, and completion of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings and technical vocational laboratories;
-the installation or replacement of disability access facilities;
-the construction of water and sanitation facilities; and
-site improvement.
Meanwhile, P131.4 million will be used for Engineering and Administrative Overhead (EAO) expenses.
The DBM said this includes the hiring of individuals; conduct of preliminary and detailed engineering activities; pre-construction activities; construction project management; testing and quality control; acquisition, rehabilitation, and repair of related equipment and parts; training, communication, per diem, and transportation expenses; and contingencies related to pre-construction activities.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte earlier identified classroom shortage as the most urgent education issue and has committed to closing gaps in school infrastructure.
READ: Sara: Classroom shortage, COVID-19 must not stop students’ school return
To recall, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to prioritize the construction of new classrooms under DepEd’s Basic Education Facilities.
READ: DepEd’s classroom dilemma
