DBM recommends release of P290.4 M to CHED

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management has recommended the release of P290.4 million to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to support the rehabilitation of 23 state universities and colleges (SUCs) hit by various calamities in the past years.

The release, which will be charged to the 2014 Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Fund (RRF) upon approval by the Office of the President, will help SUCs affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, the Zamboanga City siege, and Typhoons Santi, Labuyo, and Sendong.

“The Aquino administration’s efforts to repair damaged public facilities are only some of the ways through which we’re improving access to quality education. The country is prone to calamities and man-made crises, so it’s even more important for us to ensure the safety and continuing education of our college and university students in our state-run schools,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said in a statement.

According to the DBM,  the funds will cover the replacement of damaged equipment and devices, the procurement of energy-saving devices and generator sets, and the rehabilitation of existing water systems.

“These repair activities are also preemptive, in the sense that our SUCs will be better prepared for future disasters or possible power shortages. This is an important investment towards better tertiary education,” Abad said.