The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a PHP1.295-billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the Department of Education (DepEd) to cover the funding requirements for the electrification of un-energized schools, and the modernization of electrical systems in on-grid schools nationwide.

In a statement on Thursday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the budget would go a long way in providing a conducive learning environment for students across the archipelago.

“Let us light up every classroom, sparking curiosity and igniting dreams. In the spirit of the Bagong Pilipinas, where discipline, prudence, continuous learning, patience, and integrity are paramount, let us collectively work toward a brighter future for our beloved Philippines under the visionary leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Pangandaman said.

“Investing in education means we are also investing on the needed facilities of our students. Malaking tulong po itong pondo para maging mas kumportable ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro sa kanilang classrooms (The funds will greatly help make students and teachers more comfortable in their classrooms).”

The allocation will cover the various regions in the country except the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The released fund is chargeable against DepEd’s built-in appropriations under the Fiscal Year 2024 national budget.

Pangandaman approved the release of the SARO for the purpose on March 1, the DBM said. (PNA)