DepEd expands financial subsidy to 103 science elementary schools

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has recently allocated P27,636,000 fund subsidy to the country’s Special Science Elementary Schools (SSESs) project whose coverage it widened starting this school year from 31 to 103 qualified grade schools in 15 regions.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro explained through DepEd Order No. 88, s. 2011 that the coverage expansion of the project is designed to strengthen the teaching of Science education in the elementary level and ultimately help hasten the advancement of science and technology in the country in the face of growing global competition.

To enhance the operation of the expanded SSES project which began in 2006, the DepEd, through the Bureau of Elementary Education, also increased its annual financial subsidy for such learning centers from an initial P2,537,073 to P27,636,000 to augment their resources and pursue necessary innovations as reflected in the SSES’ respective approved School Improvement Plans (SIPs).

Luistro said the yearly fund support for each SSES ranges from P131,600 to P362,439.

The DepEd chief’s directive mandated that each SSES shall utilize a) 40 percent of the allotment for the enhancement of the capability of teachers and school heads through their participation in conferences, trainings, seminars and immersion training in science-oriented schools; b) 25 percent for the development of pupil activities such as investigatory projects, leadership training, workshop, educational visits, and participation in Science-related activities; c) 25 percent for procurement of reference books, textbooks, psychological tests, video materials and software in Science, Mathematics and English, instructional materials, gadgets and devices including maintenance and repair of said devices and apparatuses; d) five percent for payment of internet subscription, and e) five percent for organization of classes.

Seven of the 103 expanded SSESs are located in Ilocos, five in Cagayan Valley, 10 in Central Luzon, nine in Southern Tagalog-A (Calabarzon), five in Southern Tagalog-B (Mimaropa), nine in Bicol, eight in Western Visayas, five in Central Visayas, six in Eastern Visayas, two in Western Mindanao or Zamboanga Peninsula, five in Northern Mindanao, 10 in Caraga, seven in Southern Mindanao, six in Cordillera Administrative Region and nine in National Capital Region.

Luistro enjoined all provincial and city schools division superintendents to closely oversee and monitor the enforcement of the SSES program in their respective areas.