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In preparation for the full implementation of the K to 12 program, DepEd estimates that 69.5 million additional learning materials will be needed for 2015 alone15. With the slow pace of addressing the backlogs and the massive requirements that the K to 12 program will entail, the vicious cycle of backlog after backlog piling up on top of the other will persist. Provision for Education in Yolanda-Affected Areas DepEd reports that it continues to work at restoring normalcy in Yolanda-affected areas with regards to education. Rehabilitating schools and classrooms in disaster-stricken areas had been a priority in terms of budget allocations. The two regions in the Visayas that were heavily affected by Typhoon Yolanda – Region VIII and Region VII – got the bulk of the appropriation. According to the funding requirements for the implementation of the Comprehensive Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (CRRP) in Yolanda-affected areas, P9.365 billion was earmarked for DepEd and P 3.556 billion was allocated to CHED. The DepEd share will be used mainly for the construction of new rooms, rehabilitation of damaged schools, and procurement of furniture to replace those damaged by Yolanda. It also allotted more than P770 million for social services, school feeding programs, and purchase of learning kits, materials and computer packages. In April 2015, DepEd reported the substantial or total completion of projects involving the provision of 6.47 million textbooks; replacement of damaged computer packages; and school nutrition or feeding programs for 327,845 children. CHED reported that scholarships, incentives and other financial assistance amounting to P436.9 million were given to 56,272 student-beneficiaries. However, the targets for new classroom construction and classroom rehabilitation which were supposed to be ready for the SY 014-2015 were not met. Only 84% out of the total 2,313 new classrooms were built, and a dismal 56% of the 17,335 damaged classrooms went through rehabilitation.16 Not Enough Programs Reaching the Indigenous People, Isolated Sectors For almost ten years, the government had very minimal programs to reach the indigenous people and those living in the far-flung areas. The coverage of the alternative learning system remains the same despite the huge number of out-of-school children and youth. The yearly budget allocations remained stagnant at around 500 million. Similarly, the indigenous people’s education remains at the pilot stage and covering only small communities. The budget allocation did not increase from around 100 million and this covered mostly administrative expenses.
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www.gov.ph/k-12 Press Briefing of PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma, 14 April 2015
Huling Pagkakataon sa Tunay na Matuwid na Paggugol