P4 billion budget for DepEd-7 ok'd

CEBU, Philippines -  The Congress has approved the Department of Education's proposed P4-billion budget for its senior high school programs in 2016 in Central Visayas during the budget hearing last week.

At least 33 congressmen who are members of the Education Committee supported the budget proposal.

Marcial Degamo, DepEd-7 Quality Assurance and Accountability Division, said the budget might probably increase with add-ons like textbooks.

"Wala na ta'y problema sa budget proposal and that is only for Central Visayas alone," he said.

At least 70 percent of the budget is intended for the hiring of additional teachers, construction of more schools and procurement of additional chairs that senior high schools will need while the remaining 30 percent is for special programs.

"Dunay mga programs labi na ang K-12 trainings nga kinahanglan gyud og budget," Degamo said.

Out of 17 regions in the country, Central Visayas is among the top five priorities to be allocated with bigger budget.

The DepEd Central Office proposed a total budget of P360 billion for senior high school.

According to Degamo, Secretary Armin Luistro will present the budget to the Speaker of the House in October for approval.

DepEd-7 needs 3,449 teachers, 2,069 classrooms, and 82,697 chairs for 19 divisions.

There would be a possibility though that the figures will be reduced as some local government units and non-government organizations are tying up with different divisions.

DepEd-7 director Carmelita Dulangon admitted that they still need the help of NGOs and other private sectors.

"We are hoping that there are still those who are willing to support for the betterment of our educational system," said Dulangon.

Under the K-12 program, students are taught on specialized subjects, livelihood skills, sports, arts and design in preparation for tertiary education to develop life-long learners, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.  (FREEMAN)