The Iloilo City Government has allocated P680 million for its 2026 Special Education Fund (SEF), channeling resources to school infrastructure, personnel, and new learning facilities across the city.
Nearly 60 percent of the fund, or P398 million, is earmarked for capital outlay, covering the repair and construction of classrooms and laboratories, while P225 million will support miscellaneous and operational expenses.
The remaining portion is reserved for personnel services, including salaries of newly hired teaching staff.
A key highlight of the 2026 plan is the establishment of two new Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centers in Barangays Cubay and Mansaya.
Each center will feature a two-story building, with daycare facilities on the ground floor and a library on the second floor, aimed at providing young learners with safe, conducive spaces for education and reading.
According to Maria Mathilde Treñas, Special Assistant to the City Mayor, the SEF budget was maintained at P680 million, strengthened by increased Real Property Tax (RPT) collections, which contribute 1 percent to the SEF.
Previously, the city’s SEF ranged from P450 million to P500 million, she noted.
“Our budget is stable for now, but we anticipate a supplemental allocation after the quarterly RPT collections,” said Treñas.
Beyond infrastructure, the SEF also funds utilities, including electricity, water, and internet services, and allowed the city to hire 50 contractual teachers with Salary Grade 12, ensuring that additional teaching capacity is in place for the next school year.
Mayor Raisa Treñas has also been personally visiting schools to assess priority projects and classroom needs, emphasizing efficient and transparent use of the funds.
“We require schools to submit their priority projects. The mayor wants to ensure every peso directly benefits our learners,” said Treñas.
The local school board approved the 2026 SEF budget during its meeting, signaling a continued commitment to improving education across the city.IMT
