Benguet allots P65-M for school building projects

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The provincial government of Benguet is allotting an additional PHP14.1 million to the PHP50.9 million earlier allotted for various school building projects in the province.

Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso said the amount is under the Special Educational Fund (SEF) managed by the Provincial School Board, which he chairs.

Specifically, the money is allotted for the completion of the gymnasium of Pontino Elementary School in Barangay Ambassador in the town of Tublay; the repair of the Day Care Center in Pongayan, Kapangan town; the construction of Sagondoy Elementary School in Posel, Amgaleyguey, Buguias town; the restoration of the Alternative Learning School (ALS) building and overhauling of a school clinic in Barangay Puguis in the capital town of La Trinidad;

Initial funding for the construction of a two-storey building in Barangay Cattubo, Atok town; the construction of a multipurpose building at Madaymen National High School in Kibungan town; the construction of a fence at Bulo Elementary School in Poblacion, Bokod; the construction of an administrative building of Bokod National High School in Pito, Bokod; and initial funding for the construction and repair of classrooms in Palina Elementary School in Kibungan.

On Dec. 27, 2017, the provincial school board appropriated a total PHP50.99 million for priority projects under its SEF for 2018 to be used for various projects like infrastructure, elementary and secondary education support programs, sports development, maintenance, and other operating expenses.

Republic Act No. 5447 created the SEF, deriving from a portion of the real property taxes paid to the local government unit.

The SEF is automatically released to the Local School Board for the operation and maintenance of public schools; construction and repair of school buildings, facilities and equipment; educational research: purchase of books and periodicals; and sports development.