DBM releases P4.5 B for classroom rehab

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P4.5 billion for the rehabilitation of classrooms including the construction of sanitation facilities in elementary and secondary public schools across the country.

DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said the release, which was charged against the Department of Education’s fund for the requirement of basic education facilities under the 2013 General Appropriations Act, was in line with the Aquino administration’s commitment to improve the quality of public education nationwide.

“As we start the academic year this month, we are also moving closer to our goal of closing all educational resource gaps boosting our public education system in the process,” Abad said.

“Besides our commitment to build more classrooms and provide enough equipment and teachers in public schools, we are also making crucial investments in the health and well-being of our students. After all, better access to clean water facilities can help ensure better hygiene and disease prevention in our campuses,” he added. 

Of the P4.5 billion, P3.4 billion would be used to develop sanitation facilities and P1.1 billion  for classroom maintenance in Region III (P122 million), Region IV-A (P117 million) and Region VI (P110 million).