The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to a total of P1.295 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd) to cover the funding requirements for the electrification of un-energized schools and the modernization of electrical systems in on-grid schools nationwide.
According to the Budget Secretary, this initiative is aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Let us light up every classroom, sparking curiosity and igniting dreams. In the spirit of the Bagong Pilipinas, where discipline, prudence, continuous learning, patience, and integrity are paramount, let us collectively work toward a brighter future for our beloved Philippines under the visionary leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” Sec. Mina said.
“Investing in education means we are also investing on the needed facilities of our students. Malaking tulong po itong pondo para maging mas kumportable ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro sa kanilang classrooms,” she added.
The allocation will cover the following regions: Cordillera Administrative Region, CARAGA, National Capital Region (NCR), Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII.
The Special Provision of the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) states that a total of P1.295 billion is allocated under the Program/Activity/Project (PAP) – Basic Education Facilities (BEF), which shall be used for the electrification of un-energized schools and the modernization of electrical systems in on-grid schools.
This shall include the upgrading of existing electrical power systems of existing buildings, purchasing and installing appropriate transformers, and/or purchasing and installing solar power systems if needed and suitable for renewable energy use.
The Special Provision also prescribes that DepEd shall prioritize the use of solar energy sources for providing electricity to both off-grid and on-grid public schools.
The released fund is chargeable against DepEd’s built-in appropriations under the FY 2024 GAA.
DBM Secretary Pangandaman approved the release of the SARO for the said purpose on 01 March 2024.