Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday urged local government units to properly utilize their Special Education Fund (SEF) to advance public education in their locality.

Local government units are encouraged to invest their SEF in school improvement initiatives, including information and communications technology and health programs, as part of the government's commitment to digital transformation and learner welfare.

“Siguraduhin natin na matalino nating nagagamit ang SEF dahil kailangan ng mas marami pang suporta para sa edukasyon. Unti-unti, nakikita natin yung effort ng ating local government units, hindi lang para i-utilize ang pondo kundi para gamitin ito sa paghatid ng tunay na pagbabago sa ating mga mag-aaral,” Angara said.

In Angeles City, Pampanga, students at Governor Rafael Lazatin Integrated School are now more engaged in learning with the opening of two modern computer laboratories this year under the city’s ICT Modernization Program. Aimed at achieving the ideal student-to-computer ratio and improving digital learning experiences, the new facilities mark the 16th ICT facility established citywide with SEF support.

Each lab is fully equipped with 40 computers, fiber optic internet connection, smart televisions, printers, air conditioning units, tables, and chairs, creating a conducive environment for digital learning.

“With faster computers, reliable internet, and interactive learning platforms, we are now more engaged, collaborative, and confident in developing our digital literacy and critical thinking skills,” Principal Ma. Luina Rivera said.

Since its launch, the program has improved ICT facilities in seven public schools including Angeles City National High School, Angeles City National Trade School, Northville 15 Integrated School, Governor Rafael L. Lazatin Integrated School, Malabanias Integrated School, Rafael Lazatin Memorial High School, and Sapangbato National High School.

In General Trias City, Cavite, the “Every Day is Teachers’ Day,” a joint wellness initiative between the local government and the Schools Division Office (SDO), helps ease the financial burden of medical costs for teachers and non-teaching personnel. Launched in February 2025, the initiative offers free annual physical examinations for all SDO personnel and has been expanded to include additional discounts on consultation fees, laboratory services, and emergency cases.

Meanwhile, in Valenzuela City, students from Marulas Central Elementary School received vision screening and were provided free reading glasses through the “Batang Valenzuelano, Batang MATAlinaw” initiative. It aims to detect and address vision problems early among young learners.

“The beneficiaries are more focused and tend to learn quicker. As a school head, it’s a huge help not just for the initial number of learners’ learning performance but also for the school,” Principal Josie Fernando said.

DepEd continues to encourage local government units to make SEF use more responsive, transparent, and aligned with the needs of their communities and hopes more local government units will follow suit in driving transformative change at the local level.