QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has issued a statement clarifying the budget allocation for special education (SPED).

"First, allow us to emphasize that the Department of Budget and Management puts primacy on the value of Special Education (SPED) of Filipino children with special needs. We give utmost importance in giving them access to quality education, so that their unique needs are adequately addressed. We believe that it is in supporting their needs that we are contributing to the holistic growth of our children," the DBM said.

It said that while the Department of Education (DepEd) proposed the retention of the line item for the purpose under the FY 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP), no sufficient documentation was provided to support the same, such as: details of the proposed amount with specific purposes, basis of computations/parameters, status of the ongoing conversion and establishment of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) funded under FY 2021 and FY 2022 GAA.

"Please be informed that as of June 30, 2022, the SPED program under the FY 2022 GAA has an obligation rate of 1.13%, or only P6.35 million out of P560.202 million allocation. This funding provision will still be valid until December 31, 2023," it added.

The DBM said that during budget execution, items may be "realigned and modified by the implementing agency to accommodate the requirements of any program that is in dire need of additional resources."

"Considering that there is around P1.216 billion surplus noted for the PAP - Operations of Schools - Elementary and Junior Highschools (JHS) under DepEd MOOE, we deemed that the program support or additional allocation for the smooth implementation of the SPED may already be accommodated within the same program, and that a separate budget for the purpose may no longer be necessary," it added. (DBM/PIA-NCR)