In a bid to strengthen support for public education and ensure every child has the tools needed to succeed in school, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved on first reading the prooosed ordinance amending City Ordinance No. 09-16-787, series of 2016.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito, the amendment aims to expand the city’s free educational materials program.
The proposed ordinance seeks to increase the annual budget allocation from ₱15 million to ₱50 million, Distrito said.
This substantial increase addresses the growing number of enrollees in elementary schools and the rising costs of instructional materials, he said.
It also broadens the definition of “school supplies” to include a more comprehensive list, such as notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, rulers, pencil cases, erasers, sharpeners, and pad papers. Should the budget allow, the city can also include school bags, PE uniforms, and school uniforms, Distrito added.
“This ordinance aims to reinforce the city’s commitment to accessible and quality education,” Distrito said.
“We are addressing both the insufficiency of the budget and delays in procurement that have affected timely distribution in recent years”, he said.
The ordinance also updates procurement guidelines to align with Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, which has repealed RA 9184. This ensures that the procurement of educational materials adheres to enhanced standards of transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness, Distrito said.
A key provision of the amendment requires the creation of a dedicated committee to oversee the procurement process. This committee will coordinate with the Department of Education and the Bids and Awards Committee, establishing a required timetable to ensure school supplies arrive on time or at least within the first week of school opening, he added.
The amendment also authorizes the use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) — subject to the approval of the Local School Board — when regular appropriations prove insufficient.
“This is a concrete step toward reducing the financial burden on families and empowering young learners across Bacolod City,” Distrito said, adding that “education should never be hindered by lack of resources.”
The ordinance reflects the city’s continued effort to uphold the constitutional mandate of providing free and accessible basic education for all. The measure is expected to undergo further deliberation in upcoming sessions before its final approval, he said.*