DepEd expands allowable use of Special Education Fund

The Department of Education (DepEd) said it is expanding the allowable use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) to cover a broader range of education needs, including classrooms, learning resources, and student support programs.

During a management meeting on Monday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move aims to ensure that locally generated education funds translate into tangible improvements in public schools.

“Mahigpit nating sinusunod ang mga bagong pamantayang ito upang matupad ang pangako na i-modernisa ang ating mga paaralan at suportahan ang ating mga guro at mga mag-aaral,” Angara said.

(We are strictly implementing these new standards to fulfill the commitment to modernize our schools and support our teachers and learners.)

The SEF comes from an additional 1% tax on real property collected by local government units and is intended to fund education-related needs at the local level.

Expanded spending coverage

Under Joint Circular No. 01, series of 2025, issued by DepEd, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Finance, local governments may now use the SEF for a wider range of programs.

Aside from school construction, repairs, and equipment, the fund may also be used for feeding programs, early childhood care, and targeted learning recovery interventions.

DepEd said the expanded coverage provides greater flexibility in addressing both infrastructure gaps and learning needs.

Shift to long-term planning

The updated policy also requires Local School Boards to adopt a six-year Special Education Fund Investment Program (SEFIP), replacing short-term or fragmented spending plans.

Officials said the shift is intended to ensure more strategic and sustained improvements in school facilities and services.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pag-maximize sa mga lokal na pondong ito, masisiguro natin na walang komunidad ang mapag-iiwanan,” Angara added.

(By maximizing these local funds, we can ensure that no community is left behind.)

Monitoring, accountability

To strengthen oversight, DepEd said local treasurers and budget officers must submit regular reports on SEF utilization to the Department of Finance, while schools division offices will report allocations at the school level.

The department said the updated guidelines align with its broader priorities, including improving learning environments, supporting teacher welfare, and enhancing student well-being.

DepEd said the reforms aim to make the SEF more responsive to current education needs by directly linking local funding to classroom-level improvements.—MCG, GMA News