THE Bacolod City Council is now eyeing to increase the allocated budget for the free school supply to all students of public elementary schools in the city.
This was after Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the City Council committee on ways and means, authored an ordinance amending City Ordinance 09-16-787, series of 2016, or an ordinance providing free education materials to all students of public elementary schools, which was already approved on first reading.
Distrito said he is proposing to increase the annual budget allocation from P15 million to P50 million to address the growing number of enrollees in elementary schools and the rising costs of instructional materials.
He said it also expands the definition of “school supplies” to include a more comprehensive list, such as notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, rulers, pencil cases, erasers, sharpeners, and pad papers.
“The City, if the budget allows, can also include school bags, PE uniforms and school uniforms,” he added.
Distrito noted that this ordinance aims to reinforce the City’s commitment to accessible and quality education.
“We are addressing both the insufficiency of the budget and delays in procurement that have affected timely distribution in recent years,” Distrito said.
He said the ordinance also updates the procurement guidelines in line with Republic Act (RA) 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, which has repealed RA 9184.
“This ensures that the procurement of educational materials follows enhanced standards of transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness,” he added.
The proposed ordinance requires the creation of a committee to focus on the procurement process in coordination with the Department of Education and the Bids and Awards Committee, and setting a required time table so that school supplies should arrive on time or at least within the week of school opening.
The amendment further authorizes the use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) -- subject to the approval of the Local School Board -- when regular appropriations fall short.
“This is a concrete step toward reducing the financial burden on families and empowering young learners across Bacolod City,” Distrito said.
He said education should never be hindered by lack of resources, adding that the ordinance reflects the city’s continued effort to uphold the constitutional mandate of providing free and accessible basic education for all. (MAP)