BACOLOD City — The procurement process for the distribution of free school bags and supplies to public elementary school pupils has officially begun, with plans to ensure the supplies are ready for the opening of classes for school year 2025-2026.
For several years, the city government has been implementing City Ordinance No. 09-16-787, which allocates an annual budget of P15 million to provide free school supplies for public elementary students.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Education, confirmed that efforts are underway to distribute the school bags and supplies in time for the school year’s start.
“The ball is now rolling. As of May 14, the bidding documents have been submitted to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to kick start the procurement process,” Espino said in an interview on May 15.
He explained that the bidding process is expected to take about 25 days, and he remains hopeful that the supplies will be available and distributed by the start of classes.
The procurement process follows Republic Act (RA) No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), which revises and replaces the older RA No. 9184.
Espino emphasized that while the procurement process is on track, the timing of the delivery will depend on the winning supplier’s readiness to deliver the supplies promptly in order to meet the June 16 opening of classes.
This year, the city has allocated approximately P29 million for the purchase of school bags and supplies, based on a request from the Department of Education (DepEd) – Bacolod City Division. Since the appropriation ordinance only provides P15 million, the remaining funds will be sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF).
In 2024, a total of 72,000 pupils benefited from the program, and this year, the city has slightly increased the allocation to cover more students.
The ordinance was created to address the need for comprehensive support in providing quality, free education. It aims not only to improve infrastructure and the learning environment but also to reduce educational costs by providing essential school materials, implements, and subsidies to families./PN
