CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – After almost two years of hiatus from in-person meetings owing to the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago finally met face-to-face with top officials of the City Schools Division of San Fernando at the Civic Center on March 7.
The gathering served as an avenue for the division’s executive committee members to discuss current and future programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) covering the years 2022 and 2023.
Dr. Imelda Macaspac, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent, reported to Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and division supervisors and heads, the successful implementation of 2022 PPAs and proposed PPAs for 2023.
“Ngayong nasa first quarter na tayo ng taong 2022, halos lahat ng ating mga PPAs ay nagsisimula at in-effect na at magtutuloy-tuloy na ito hanggang sa huling parte ng taon,” she said.
Macaspac highlighted in her report, more than 100 PPAs to be implemented for the year 2022 and 2023 that are under several core areas.
The implementation of these is expected to cost the division hundreds of millions of pesos with the help of the City’s Special Education Fund.
Among the notable PPAs Macaspac mentioned are the construction of more school buildings and expansion of the availability and access of internet connectivity, facilities, and equipment. These, according to her, will “enable the division to fully implement the blended learning modalities – face-to-face and remote classes.”
For 2022 alone, 15 buildings and lots intended for basic education and multi-purpose activities are either up for purchase, construction, or repair. Another 20 similar PPAs are listed under the 2023 proposal.
Internet expenses and funds for instructional materials, furniture, and fixtures are also among the top priorities.
The operations and maintenance of public schools that include pays for its personnel and other basic services, and the run of its Sports and Youth Development Program and Early Childhood Care and Development Program are along the said PPAs.
“Bilang ito na ang pinakahuling termino ko bilang alkalde, ang legacy na gusto kong maiwan sa mga bumubuo ng sektor ng edukasyon ay ‘yung nagawa nating iangat ang kanilang antas at respetuhin sila ng komunidad kaya prayoridad natin sila sa pagpopondo,” Santiago said.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa mga guro, sa bumubuo ng division. Napakasaya ko na, muli, kami ay nagkita-kita nang personal upang sabihin na we all look forward to the realization of their PPAs for this year and for next year,” he added.
As part of the process, the PPAs of the division for 2023, same with that of the other city government departments, will undergo deliberation through a technical budget hearing.
All budgets shall be included in the Local Expenditure Program of the city to be approved by the Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
“Tinitingnan na rin natin ang deliberation ng ating 2023 PPAs at naniniwala tayong buong suporta na naman ang ibibigay ng siyudad dahil edukasyon ang thrust natin,” Macaspac said.
