DepEd's 2021 budget ready for bicam deliberations
Keith P. Dimog
IT IS WORTHY to note that the Department of Education’s goal for a better education for our learners is being supported by our officials.
According to latest news, the DepEd’s 2021 budget for benefit of teachers and learners amid the changing times in education is now ready for bicameral deliberations.
According to the agency, DepEd ensures that these funds are for the benefit of teachers, learners, and personnel as everyone continues to adapt to the changing times in education.
The DepEd thanked Senator Pia Cayetano for defending the agency’s budget, even as it welcomes other senators’ inputs to efficiently utilize its funds.
According to the DepEd, Senator Cayetano successfully defended DepEd’s proposed budget, including the funds of the National Museum, National Council for Children’s Television, Early Childhood Care and Development Council, National Book Development Board, Philippine High School for the Arts, and the newly-established National Sports Academy as it hurdled the Senate plenary on November 19.
Included in the 2021 budget is the increase of teaching supplies allowance from PHP3,500 to PHP5,000 next year.
DepEd also appealed for the inclusion of annual medical exam and World Teachers' Day incentive bonus to the FY 2021 Budget.
Meanwhile, the budget also includes restoration of funding level for the Senior High School Voucher program, flexible learning options, Indigenous People's education, Special Education, disaster preparedness, and response.
Other changes and appeals of the Department for next year’s budget include the moving of the P25-billion unprogrammed fund to the programmed fund of DepEd; increase in funding for learning resources – Self-learning Modules, DepEd TV/Radio; special provision for extended validity of funding for specific education programs; and additional Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for school operations.
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The author is Teacher III at Dolores Stand Alone Senior High School