Regional dev't body endorses E. Visayas schools' proposed projects

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 18 – State universities and colleges (SUCs) in Eastern Visayas are seeking PHP1.23 billion budget from the national government next year to fund priority and on-going infrastructure projects.

At least 52 projects of 10 SUCs have been endorsed by the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) during its meeting last week, council’s co-chairman Roy Bernard Fiel said in an interview Monday.

These proposals were not included in the 2019 National Expenditure Program of the central government due to cash-based budgeting system to be implemented by the national government starting next year as reason for the limited disbursement of funds, according to RDC.

“We have to re-endorse these projects for funding next year because providing quality education responsive to the needs of the region is one of the major thrusts under the Regional Development Plan,” Fiel said.

Leyte Normal University has the bulk of the proposal with PHP295.8 million, meant to fund six infrastructure projects on its main campus in this city.

Specifically, the outlay is intended for the rehabilitation of the school’s Human Resource Development Center Building, construction of new dormitory, construction of new academic building, expansion of Learning Resource Center, conversion of old dormitory building into classrooms, and construction of new dormitory complex building.

Other schoos with RDC-endorsed proposals are Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City (PHP218 million); University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar (PHP135 million); Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City (PHP129 million), and Samar State University in Catbalogan City (PHP125 million),

Also considered are proposals of Southern Leyte State University in Sogod, Southern Leyte (PHP90 million); Naval State University in Naval, Biliran (PHP87 million); Visayas State University in Baybay City (PHP74.28 million); Eastern Samar State University in Borongan City (PHP65.24 million); and Palompon Institute of Technology in Palompon, Leyte (PHP20 million).

Generally, the budget will finance the completion of several projects such as libraries, sports facilities, audio-visual buildings, socio-cultural centers, books acquisition, electrical facilities, furniture acquisition, gymnasium repair, support facilities, and hostel. (RTA/PNA)