The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the approval of the release of over P5 billion of public funds that will be used for the construction of more than a thousand classrooms across the country

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said this will come from the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P5.830 billion.

Pangandaman said that the SARO was done after a joint request was issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) for the construction of 1,834 new classrooms in 216 sites across the country.

“The timely release of funds for the project signifies our dedication and commitment to help in building a brighter future for our young learners,” said Pangandaman.

The DBM earlier earmarked the P5.830-billion funds as support for the first batch of DepEd's Basic Education Facilities (BEF) Fund.

The BEF covers the improvement and maintenance of school facilities such as the provision of classroom and workshop buildings, replacement of old dilapidated buildings, provision of furniture, repair and rehabilitation of classrooms, including water and sanitation facilities, and electrification.

Pangandaman also scored that the released fund shall be used “for constructing, replacing, and completing kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school buildings, as well as technical vocational laboratories.”

It also includes installing or upgrading disability access facilities, ensuring compliance with DPWH’s accessible and universal design principles. Water and sanitation facilities and site improvements will likewise enhance educational infrastructure in all income-class municipalities and cities nationwide.

“Together, we shape a Philippines where education is the cornerstone of lasting development and prosperity as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Bagong Pilipinas,” Pangandaman said.