July 1, 2021 – The Department of Education (DepEd) has successfully obligated and disbursed around 90% of the Php 4.35 billion funds allotted in basic education in the Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2).
The Php 4.35B BA2 funds are intended for the following programs and projects:
- Provision of Laptops for Teachers – 2.4B
- Internet Connectivity Load – 1.2B
- DepEd TV and Radio – 300M
- Learning Modules – 150M
- Basic Education Subsidies and Allowances – 300M
Contrary to misinformed claims, the Department has obligated Php 3.821 B of the funds with Php 3.751B of these disbursed already. The utilization rate is expected to increase once field offices submit their final report.
Meanwhile, out of the estimated 10% unobligated funds, Php 152M was savings from procurement while the Php 250M was due to failed bidding. The remaining funds are awaiting reports of obligations and disbursement from field offices.
Despite the magnitude and complexity of these projects, DepEd has practiced due diligence in adhering to the government procurement process for transparency and accountability. DepEd also sought the assistance of Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service (DBM-PS) to be its procuring entity since it has more expertise on the process.
We thank the President, the Congress, and our field offices for continuously championing Bayanihan in education amidst the pandemic. Likewise, we extend our gratitude to the general public for rallying with us as we recover as one.
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