The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Tuesday that 89% of its P32 billion computerization program budget has been committed for spending as of November 30, 2024. This statement comes in response to Senate President Francis Escudero’s suggestion that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. could utilize over P36 billion in unspent funds from the program, especially after a P10 billion reduction in the 2025 budget for the same initiative.
DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla confirmed that out of the total P32 billion allocated for the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) from 2022 to 2024, P28.5 billion has been obligated. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of securing the necessary funds to meet the program’s goals before the end of the Marcos administration.
Angara expressed gratitude to President Marcos for his commitment to finding solutions to restore the P10 billion cut from the program. He mentioned that he has been instructed to work with other Cabinet Secretaries, particularly Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management, to address the budget shortfall.
Angara highlighted potential sources for the needed funds, including savings, augmentation of existing budget items, and unprogrammed appropriations. He stressed the urgency of securing these funds, noting the importance of maintaining partnerships with the private sector, such as those with Smart for free Internet and Khan Academy for free AI tools, which are crucial for enhancing the DepEd’s computerization efforts for students.
Angara pointed out that while other countries might charge for such services, in the Philippines, they are provided for free. However, without the necessary computers, these partnerships would be ineffective.