Cebu City Council Questions Php170-m Aid To Students In K To 12 Program

The Cebu City Council has questioned the allocation of PHP170 million in financial assistance to some 170,000 students affected by the K to 12 program.

The allocation was included in the proposed PHP9.8-billion revised annual budget of the city government this year.

The PHP6.4-billion approved annual budget for this year was earlier declared inoperative by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 7 for failure to include mandatory obligations.

Cebu City Budget Office Marietta Gumia, who appeared before a budget hearing Tuesday, said the PHP170 million will be used to give PHP1,000 financial assistance to around 170,000 public school students affected by the implementation of the K to 12 program.

Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, chairperson of the council’s committee on budget and finance, asked if there was a request for the financial assistance.

Cebu City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said there was a request from the Parents-Teachers Association of Cebu City.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo said the financial assistance was aimed at cushioning the effects of the K to 12 program as the additional two levels mean additional expenses for the families.

But Councilor Sisinio Andales said the matter should be verified first with the 170,000 students who will be reportedly affected by the program. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS