Bacolod allocates P72M for classroom improvements

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The local school board (LSB) has allocated at least P72 million for public schools, intended for the improvement or renovation of classrooms.

Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of the City Council Committee on Education, stated that 72 elementary and high schools will each receive P1 million.

“This is the first under any administration,” Espino said, highlighting the current administration’s focus on education.

During their LSB meeting last Friday, Espino mentioned they discussed compliances for evaluation and the program of works with the City Engineering Office (CEO).

“The P1 million budget for each school is not enough, but we have to start somewhere,” Espino said.

He also noted the need to discuss the effectiveness of the delivery. “We’re hoping it will be included in this year’s accomplishments,” he added.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said that during their discussion with the LSB, they agreed to prioritize classroom repairs.

Benitez mentioned they have asked school heads to submit proposals, and the majority agreed to prioritize classroom repairs.

“We’ve been able to source additional funds in previous years from unutilized funds,” he said.

Meanwhile, Engr. Loben Rafael Ceballos, CEO head, said that only 61 out of the 72 schools will each receive P1 million funding, as some schools have more than P1 million allocated for classroom improvement.

However, he did not disclose the total amount of the allocation.

Ceballos acknowledged the numerous concerns from school heads but noted that the budget is limited to classroom rehabilitation.

He added that some schools have started their programming, while others are in the procurement process.