The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P1.295 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd) to cover the funding requirements of un-energized schools and upgrade the electrical systems in on-grid schools nationwide.
“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.,” Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
The allocation is under the Program/Activity/Project – Basic Education Facilities (PAPA-BEF) of the 2024 General Appropriations Act and will cover the 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 law mandates 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.
A special provision also mandates the DepEd to prioritize the use of solar energy sources for providing electricity to both off-grid and on-grid public schools.
