DBM OKs funding increase in DepEd program

DepEd Division Office Manila Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the proposed increase in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Government Assistance and Subsidies (GAS) programs under its Tier 1 budget.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, DepEd said this would now allow it to fulfill its mandate to improve and expand access to quality education in junior and senior high schools.

The total DepEd Tier 1 Level budget approved by the DBM is P626.18 billion, as contained in National Budget Memorandum No. 142 — “Budget Call for FY 2023.”

Out of that amount, the Senior High School Voucher Program of the DepEd will get P39.33 billion, which according to the agency will cover 1,132,155 voucher program beneficiaries (VPBs) for the school year 2023-2024.

“Meanwhile, ESC (Educational Service Contracting) got an approved Php 11.05 billion budget which covers 1,031,193 ESC grantees for SY 2023-2024,”  the DepEd added.

In addition to improving and expanding education, DepEd said this would allow it to make full payments to concerned private schools within one budget year.

“DepEd expresses its gratitude to the DBM and the national government for their unwavering support of the voucher programs under GAS. The Department affirms its commitment in continuously implementing its voucher program efficiently and effectively,” it said.

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