Senator Go Pushes for Expanded Special Education Fund to Address Urgent Needs

Senator Bong Go has filed Senate Bill 1785, seeking to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 to broaden the allowable uses of the Special Education Fund (SEF). The proposed measure aims to provide local governments with greater flexibility in addressing the evolving needs of the Philippine public education system.

Current Uses of the Special Education Fund

The SEF, generated from an additional 1-percent tax on real property, is currently allocated to local school boards and serves as a supplemental funding source for public schools. Existing law designates the fund primarily for:

• Operation and maintenance of public schools
• Construction and repair of school buildings and facilities
• Educational research
• Purchase of books and periodicals
• Support for sports development programs

Addressing Limitations and Expanding SEF Applications

Senator Go argues that the current limitations of the SEF prevent local governments from maximizing its potential to meet urgent educational needs. He highlighted the need for a more adaptable education financing system, particularly in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to distance and modular learning.

In 2020, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued Joint Circular No. 2, Series of 2020, temporarily expanding allowable SEF expenditures to include:

• Production of self-learning modules, textbooks, activity sheets, and study guides approved by DepEd
• Purchase of external storage devices such as flash drives and hard drives
• Communication expenses related to education delivery

Senate Bill 1785 aims to institutionalize these expanded uses into law, ensuring their continuation beyond administrative directives. Additional proposed uses under the bill include:

• Construction and repair of libraries
• Payment of salaries, allowances, and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel
• Additional education-related programs deemed necessary by local school boards

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps and Personnel Shortages

Senator Go cited data from the Department of Education indicating a shortage of approximately 165,000 classrooms as of May 2025 The Manila Times, emphasizing the urgent need to utilize all available education funds effectively. The bill seeks to strengthen the capability of local government units to support public schools and improve access to quality education.

Legislative Process and Next Steps

Senate Bill 1785 will now undergo review and hearings in the Senate of the Philippines. If passed, it will then be considered by the House of Representatives. Proponents believe that expanding the apply of the SEF could help local governments address critical challenges facing the Philippine public school system, including classroom shortages, learning materials, and a lack of education personnel. Daily Tribune