DBM releases additional P775.5 million to build more classrooms

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported on Thursday that it has released an additional P775.5 million for the building of more classrooms all over the country.

In a statement, DBM said that this latest release was the fourth tranche disbursed under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF).

This additional funding was released to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Under the 2014 budget, a total of P39 billion has been allocated for BEFF, which is mainly being spent to build, complete, rehabilitate, repair as well as replace public school buildings in areas with “acute classroom shortage.”

Areas with acute classroom shortage are those where the classroom-to-students ratio is 50:1, or where classrooms are non-existent, makeshift or temporary.

BEFF could also be used to build water and sanitation facilities, and also to acquire desks, fixtures and furniture.

“Although we have closed the classroom gap based on our 2010 backlog target, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. We are rebuilding classrooms in the wake of recent calamities even as we take into account the rising number of students each year,” Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said.

“The latest fund release will help address this shortage and improve basic facilities in our schools, especially in the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). The funds will also go a long way to support development in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao,” Abad added. ARMM schools got a total allotment of P11 million.

The biggest allocations were poured into National Capital Region (P124.6 million), followed by Region 10 (P104.7 million), and Region 11 (P92.3 million).

In Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region received P29.8 million; Region 1, P78.1 million; Region 2, P12.1 million; Region 3, P66 million; Region 4-A, P36.2 million; Region 4-B, P3.5 million; and Region 5, P68.5 million.

In the Visayas and Mindanao, the releases per region were as follows: Region 6, P5.7 million; Region 7, P70 million; Region 8, P23.5 million; Region 9, P26.1 million; Region 12, P12.5 million; and Caraga, P10.8 million.

“These releases will ensure our schools are prepared and well-provided for, especially with the K-to-12 program that requires the proper facilities and equipment. Education reform is one of the key priorities of the Aquino administration and this release will boost our commitment to the education of future generations,” according to Abad.

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