Students help teachers clean the classroom at a school in Marikina. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P19.06 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for school improvements.

In a statement on Tuesday, the fund aimed to build and renovate public school classrooms and other facilities throughout the country.

Out of the total, P15.52 billion will be charged under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), P2.61 billion for the Last Mile Schools Program, and P925 million for the Conservation and Restoration of Gabaldon and Other Heritage School Buildings.

“This is to help decongest classrooms and bring better, safer, and conducive learning environments to students in high-need areas, which is aligned with the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to further strengthen our education sector,” she said.

This initiative is part of the P28.06 billion total allocation under the BEFF in the Agency-Specific Budget of the Department of Education under 2025 budget, where P23.84 billion was transferred to the DPWH.

“From the recent SARO (Special Allotment Release Order) releases, P2.969 billion covers the construction of 939 new classrooms in 235 sites all over the Philippines,” it said.

The DBM said P4.887 billion will go to the repair and rehabilitation of 6,275 classrooms in 546 sites, while P498.75 million will go to the installation and upgrading of water systems, toilets, hand washing stations, and other health and sanitation facilities in 176 schools.

It added that P2.61 billion has been released for the Last Mile Schools Program and P925 million for the conservation and restoration of 404 heritage schools like the Gabaldon buildings.

The Public Works department is currently facing public scrutiny for the anomalous flood control budgets that prompted the DBM and the DPWH to overhaul its budget and launch widespread investigations. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

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