Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to distribute bamboo-made school furniture in public schools starting next month. This initiative aligns with Executive Order No. 879, series of 2010, which mandates a 20 percent bamboo allocation for school furniture.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara described the upcoming distribution as historic, noting that the requirement has been in place for 15 years. "Matagal na ang itong polisiya. Pero, ngayon ay binibigyang-buhay natin ito (This has been an old policy. But now, we are making this a reality). For the first time in history, maipapatupad natin itong (we will be implementing this) mandatory 20 percent bamboo allocation in school furniture," he stated.
Angara emphasized that climate-resilient and quality-engineered bamboo furniture would benefit learners and teachers with its durability. The procurement and delivery process aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to advance sustainability and support local industries. "Magandang paraan din ito para ma-promote natin ang Tatak Pinoy na isinulong natin sa Senado noon para kilalanin ang creativity ng kapwa natin Pilipino (It's also a good way to promote our Tatak Pinoy that we have advocated in the Senate before to recognize the creativity of fellow Filipinos)," Angara added.
DepEd plans to distribute 144,081 sets of learners' tables and chairs and 3,235 sets for teachers from February to March, replacing worn or unusable furniture affecting daily school activities.
Additionally, DepEd is overseeing the construction of approximately 5,766 classrooms, amounting to PHP16.2 billion under the For Issuance of Special Allotment Release Order Batch 1. Of this fund, PHP3.5 billion is allocated for 2,333 Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS) and PHP2 billion for another 1,333 LCS under the Disaster Preparedness and Response Program.
Angara stated that they aim to construct 800 Last Mile School classrooms, costing PHP3 billion, and an additional 1,300 classrooms with an approved program of works worth PHP3 billion. School health facilities will also be enhanced with a PHP500 million allocation.
