BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved on first reading the proposed amendment to City Ordinance No. 09-16-787, series of 2016, which provides free school bags and supplies to public elementary school students.
The amendment proposes a significant increase in the annual allocation, from P15 million to P50 million, marking more than a 200 percent hike.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, who also authored the original ordinance, the proposed amendment aims to enhance support for public education and ensure that all schoolchildren are equipped with essential learning materials.
“Increasing the budget is necessary to address the growing number of enrollees in elementary schools and the rising cost of instructional materials,” Distrito said. “This ordinance aims to reinforce the city’s commitment to accessible and quality education.”
Under the amendment, the definition of “school supplies” is expanded to include a comprehensive list of basic learning tools such as notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, rulers, pencil cases, erasers, sharpeners, and pad paper. Depending on the availability of funds, the city may also include school bags, Physical Education (PE) uniforms, and school uniforms.
Distrito pointed out that the ordinance also seeks to resolve recurring issues such as insufficient budget and procurement delays that have hampered the timely distribution of supplies in recent years.
To address this, the amendment updates the city’s procurement guidelines to align with Republic Act (RA) 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, which repealed RA 9184. The updated guidelines are expected to promote greater transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in the procurement of educational materials.
The ordinance also mandates the formation of a committee to oversee the procurement process, working in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC). A clear timetable must be established to ensure that supplies are delivered on time — ideally within the first week of classes.
Additionally, the amendment authorizes the use of the Special Education Fund (SEF), subject to approval by the Local School Board, when the regular appropriation is insufficient.
“This is a concrete step toward reducing the financial burden on families and empowering young learners across Bacolod City,” Distrito emphasized. “Education should never be hindered by lack of resources.”
The proposed amendment underscores the city’s ongoing efforts to uphold the constitutional mandate of providing free and accessible basic education for all./PN
