The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of a special allotment release order (SARO) amounting to P1.3 billion to fund the electrification of un-energized schools and the modernization of electrical systems in on-grid schools nationwide.
The allocation will cover the following regions: Cordillera Administrative Region, Caraga, National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region and Soccsksargen.
The Special Provision of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) states that a total of P1.295 billion is allocated under the Program/Activity/Project-Basic Education Facilities, which shall be used for the electrification of un-energized schools and the modernization of electrical systems in on-grid schools.
This shall include the upgrading of existing electrical power systems of existing buildings, purchasing and installing appropriate transformers and/or purchasing and installing solar power systems if needed and suitable for renewable energy use.
The special provision also prescribes that the Department of Education (DepEd) shall prioritize the use of solar energy sources for providing electricity to both off-grid and on-grid public schools.
The released fund is chargeable against DepEd’s built-in appropriations under the 2024 GAA.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of the SARO for the said purpose on March 1, 2024.
