DBM releases P15.15B for construction of nearly 5,000 classrooms

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday said it has given the green light for the release of P15.15 billion funds for the construction of nearly 5,000 classrooms all over the country.

In a statement, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved on May 15, 2023 the release of funds amounting to P15,151,709,646.00.

The amount will cover the budgetary requirements for the construction of 4,912 classrooms in 1,194 sites nationwide.

“The timely release of these funds, a joint request of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), demonstrates that the PBBM administration does not hold back on investing in education. We need to build and repair classrooms to keep up with increasing enrollment in our public schools,” said Pangandaman.

Classroom shortage was identified as among the most urgent education issue, with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte committing to closing gaps in school infrastructure. 

“Our school children need to be in an environment conducive to learning and fun… Sila ang ating best investment (They are our best investment),” said Pangandaman.

Citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s budget message, the DBM said the administration will prioritize the construction of new classrooms under DepEd’s Basic Education Facilities (BEF) as face-to-face classes started to resume.

The Budget Department said the total construction cost of classrooms is pegged at P15,020,282,176.00.

This includes the construction, replacement and completion of kindergarten, elementary and secondary school buildings and technical vocational laboratories; the installation or replacement of disability access facilities; the construction of water and sanitation facilities; and site improvement.

On the other hand, P131,427,470.00 will be used for Engineering and Administrative Overhead (EAO) expenses, the DBM said.

The EAO expenses include the hiring of individuals; conduct of preliminary and detailed engineering activities; pre-construction activities; construction project management; testing and quality control; acquisition, rehabilitation and repair of related equipment and parts; training, communication, per diem, and transportation expenses; and contingencies related to pre-construction activities. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News