Manila: The city government has earmarked PHP680 million for the 2026 special education fund, with a significant portion of PHP398 million dedicated to capital outlay.

According to Philippines News Agency, Special Assistant to the City Mayor Maria Mathilde Tre±as stated that PHP225 million has been allocated for miscellaneous and other operating expenses, while additional funds are targeted towards personnel services. The capital outlay is intended for the repair and construction of classrooms and laboratories.

A part of the allocation is designated for the establishment of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centers in Barangays Cubay and Mansaya. Tre±as described the ECCD as a two-story building, with daycare facilities on the ground floor and a library on the second floor.

She explained that the budget for the special education fund was bolstered by an increase in Real Property Tax (RPT), although the total allocation remains consistent with the 2025 budget at PHP680 million. The fund originates from 1 percent of the RPT. Tre±as noted, "Our budget is as is, but there will be a succeeding supplemental budget after the quarterly payment of the RPT."

Previously, the budget hovered around PHP450 million, with the highest reaching approximately PHP500 million. "The increase in RPT boosted the fund for our Local School Board," Tre±as added. Beyond capital outlay, the special education fund also covers utilities such as electricity, water, and internet.

The city government has also hired 50 contractual teachers with Salary Grade 12, funded by the special education fund. Meanwhile, Mayor Raisa Tre±as has been visiting schools to assess their priority needs. Tre±as emphasized, "We require schools to submit their priority project and ask them their classroom needs. The mayor does not want to waste our budget."

The budget received approval from the local school board during its meeting on Tuesday.