By ERWIN ‘AMBO’DELILAN
“WALA PA!” This simple yet heartbreaking line echoes the sentiments of numerous mothers in Bacolod City, especially those from less affluent backgrounds.
They’re anxiously asking, “Wala pa?! Diin na ang libre nga school supplies?”
The anticipation centers around the free school supplies meant for over 72,000 elementary school students.
This distribution of free school supplies to all public elementary students has been a cherished “tradition” since 2016.
The initiative began with former councilor Caesar Distrito, who authored City Ordinance (CO) No.09-16-787, titled “An ordinance providing free school educational materials to all students of public elementary schools in the city of Bacolod, providing funds, therefore, and for other purposes.”
His goal was to institutionalize this tradition, ensuring continuity regardless of who holds the mayoral office.
The number of beneficiaries is determined based on consolidated enrollments in public elementary schools. Funds for the school supplies, including bags/knapsacks, come from either the Special Education Fund (SEF) or General Fund (GF).
Inflation Concerns
This year, with classes starting on Aug. 29, the free school supplies and bags were supposed to be distributed by the end of July. However, they have yet to reach the students.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of the committee on education at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, explained the delay.
The committee only allotted P15 million for this year’s supplies, which falls short of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Bacolod City’s proposed P26 million to cover the needs of the more than 72,000 enrollees.
“We need to look for additional funding of about P11 million,” Espino said.
He also mentioned that current inflation has caused the prices of notebooks, pencils, ballpens, and other supplies to spike, making the allocated P15 million insufficient.
Mothers’ Frustrations
Frustrations are growing among parents.
A mother of three kids at Rizal Elementary School (RES) expressed, “Ang ara lang tani anay! Importante maka-piyan-piyan sa amon bisan paano.”
Another parent, Stefannie, whose child attends Educational Training Center School – 1 (ETCS-1), suggested, “Unahon lang nila ibakal ang P15-M eh! Tapos, kon may idugang naman sila, isunod na lang.”
The delay is particularly poignant as it coincides with the “Tigkalalag” season.
Same Dilemma, Different Year
This isn’t a new issue. Last year, a similar situation occurred, prompting Mayor Albee Benitez to state that free school supplies should be distributed before classes begin.
Yet, this year, several mothers are lamenting the extreme delay: “Super delayed na! Dugay-dugay sira naman klase.”
Political Implications
Espino has promised to expedite the process.
Meanwhile, the issue is gaining traction on social media, with many asking the sitting mayor, “What happened?”
The mayor has remained silent, letting Espino address the concerns.
This school supplies debacle could evolve into a significant political issue if mishandled. It is crucial to remember that the target beneficiaries are the poor, making this initiative noble in essence.
Mayor Albee and Councilor Espino should heed the spirit of Distrito’s Ordinance No. 09-16-787.
As the saying goes, “Delay is the deadliest form of denial.”
In politics, acting without delay is often necessary, not just to address immediate needs but also to secure future trust and support./PN
