The Department of Budget and Management approved the joint request of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Education to release funds worth P303.5 million to construct 120 classrooms in 21 sites nationwide.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stressed the need to strengthen the education sector as a crucial factor in promoting the country's social and human development.
"Education is a chance for every Filipino to improve their quality of life. Education empowers us to achieve genuine prosperity as well. But it is also a shared responsibility to work together for the country to achieve complete economic healing and recovery. Let us continue to invest in education," Pangandaman said.
She also pointed out that the release of needed funds is in adherence to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to improve education facilities to create a conducive learning environment for all learners, including in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
"The President wants our students and teachers to have decent and secure places to study and teach effectively. It should be equal and not discriminate based on location. Whether in Manila or in a distant province, education facilities for our teachers and students should be in good condition," Pangandaman said.
The request for the release of funds under the Basic Education Facilities Batch 2 for Calendar Year 2023 was approved after the requirements were completed including the list of schools approved by the DepEd Undersecretaries for School Infrastructure and Facilities, and Finance; Budget Execution Document No. 1-Financial Plan; Physical Plan; and Monthly Disbursement Program.