P400 million earmarked for repair of state universities

President Arroyo has approved the release of P400 million for the repair and rehabilitation of buildings of state universities and colleges (SUC) damaged by four typhoons last year.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the funds would be taken from the Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Effort (CARE) under the P1.126-trillion national budget this year.

Based on the recommendation of Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, beneficiaries of the funds include SCUs Calabarzon, Southern Tagalog, the Bicol Region, Western Visayas and the National Capital Region.

The Bicol region, which was hardest hit by the four typhoons last year, would receive the largest share of the funds at P276.4 million, followed by Calabarzon with P106.9 million and Southern Tagalog, P16 million. – Marvin Sy