MANILA—Senator Joel Villanueva has introduced Senate Bill No. 2845, aimed at broadening the scope of the Special Education Funds (SEF) to enhance educational resources and support across the Philippines. The bill seeks to empower local school boards to utilize these funds for a variety of educational purposes, including teacher training, allowances, and the acquisition of essential school equipment.
According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva emphasized the pressing need for better resources and infrastructure in the country’s education system. “One of the ways to address this is by increasing education spending to ensure better education outcomes,” Villanueva stated. He highlighted that investing in education is crucial for the future of the country’s learners.
Senate Bill 2845 proposes that SEF be used not only for traditional educational needs but also for elementary and secondary schools, informal education programs, early childhood education, special education, senior high school, open high school programs, Madrasah classes, and remedial classes. Additionally, the funds would support compensation and allowances for teaching and non-teaching staff, training programs, the acquisition of school sites, the construction and maintenance of school facilities, and the purchase of fixtures and IT equipment.
The bill also aims to support programs focused on sports, youth formation, and leadership development. “It is of utmost importance that continuous innovation and reforms be introduced given the various disruptions that affect learners,” added Villanueva. The expanded use of the SEF, according to the senator, will enable more significant government investment in the education sector, benefitting future generations.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates that local school boards provide an annual report on the collection, allocation, and utilization of the SEF to the Department of Finance, Congress, and other relevant agencies, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of these funds. The SEF, established by Republic Act No. 5447, is funded through a one percent tax on real property and has traditionally been used for school operations, construction, research, and sports development.