The education sector was allotted P924.7 billion in the proposed 2024 national budget.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah said Monday that higher provisions for subsidies, facilities, learning materials, and skills training programs comprise the bulk of the 3.3-percent increase in the budget allocation for the education sector in the fiscal year 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
The DBM recently transmitted the proposed budget to the House of Representatives for deliberations following its approval by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“As mandated by the Constitution, education will remain our top priority with a total budget of P924.7 billion, equivalent to 16.0 percent of the FY 2024 NEP,” Pangandaman said.
Pangandaman said that of the total amount, P758.6 billion was allotted for the DepEd, while P31 billion is for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
She said P15.2 billion had been provided for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and P105.6 billion for the 116 state universities and colleges, among others.
The subsidies for students consist of P51.1 billion for the UAQTE Program and an additional P41.0 billion for Education Assistance — of which P39.3 billion goes to DepEd’s Education Service Contracting, Junior High School and Senior High School Voucher Program, and Joint Delivery Voucher Program for SHS Technical Vocational Livelihood Specialization.
Various infrastructure projects of state universities and colleges will receive P3.4 billion.
Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday defended her proposal for the education department to be given P150 million in confidential funds.
In an interview with media on the sideline of the Brigada Eskwela kick off at Tarlac National High School, Duterte stressed that the fund is necessary for the learning of students.
Duterte said there is basis for the requested amount but refused to give details due to its nature.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas criticized the proposed confidential fund of DepEd, saying it has no place in such department.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) meanwhile said it has shifted the focus of its security preparations for the opening of classes in public schools on Aug. 29.
Police units in the country have been directed to strengthen dialogues with school officials to enhance and ensure security measures against crimes and acts of violence, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
A consultative meeting was also held last July 25, presided by the officials from the Department of Education (DepEd), PNP and concerned agencies to discuss the security plans as the school year 2023-2024 commence.
Fajardo said that the PNP has released the operational guidelines of “Oplan Back to School 2023.”
The PNP official also said that there are 11,000 police assistance desks (PADS) nationwide to be deployed near school premises, aside from patrols in school vicinities to serve as lookout for drug traffickers, muggers, and violent street gangs who may infiltrate the ranks of students.
On the other hand, private schools may opt to open their classes not later than the last day of August as stated under Republic Act 11480, or the “Act to lengthen the school calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 class days.” With Vince Lopez
