DepEd – Baguio gets paltry P43M

August 22, 2020 Metro BLISTT

Officials of Schools Division office-Baguio revealed their office had received P43 million from the central office to be utilized in the reproduction of learning modules for the first two quarters of School Year 2020-2021, a far cry from the P250 million which they estimated as the amount needed for the purpose.
Schools Division Superintendent Marie Carolyn Verano, and budget officer Belen Tomin told the city council Monday during this week’s regular session that they are counting on both the regional and central offices to augment the initial amount given.
In the meantime, the school’s division office is stretching its available resources and trying to look for other sources of funds to help address the shortage, Tomin said.
Tomin further disclosed that the total estimated expenses in preparation for School Year 2020-2021 under the new ways of learning is roughly P538.2 million which will fund the four academic pillars in their continuity plan namely curriculum development which includes the reproduction of the learning modules; learning environment which includes the installation of hand-washing facilities, toilets, and water systems; professional development programs for teaching and non-teaching personnel; and engagement of stakeholders for support and collaboration.
At present, the budget which can be drawn from the different reprogrammed amounts in the general fund and the special education fund is 39 million. A portion of the said amount will likewise be used to fund the reproduction of the learning modules as it is one of the priorities at this point, Tomin said.
Jordan G. Habbiling