- LGUs are crucial in supplementing DepEd's limited budget to enhance educational resources.
- A systemic solution is needed, with all agencies working together to improve functional literacy in the province.
- Local government support is essential for rebuilding classrooms and replenishing learning materials after recent school fires.
Local government units (LGUs), municipal and provincial, have an important role to play in the education sector.
Abra's newly elected board member and erstwhile assistant secretary for field operations of the Department of Education (DepEd) Francis Cesar Bringas underscored the crucial role of education funding by LGUs. In a special interview with the Philippine News Agency, he said, "One of the key functions of the LGU is financing of education. We all know that the DepEd has limited funds, and that's why we call on LGUs to augment the budget, either through the Special Education Fund (SEF) or the general fund of municipalities or provinces."
Bringas, who has spent 27 years as a holder of different educational offices, such as the Abra and Baguio districts and other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, is now set on his function as a member of the Provincial Board in his first attempt at running during the May 2025 elections. He wants to make sure that education in the province gets its due attention so as to enhance its functional literacy level.
He said, "It would be a systemic approach, and we will not simply leave it up to the DepEd or the Abra division office to improve functional literacy in the province. We have to tackle it as a systemic concern where all involved agencies work together."
Bringas continued elaborating that the LGUs can assist in furnishing necessary educational materials but the DepEd must focus on the technicalities and formality of its delivery. He again resonated the concept of "it takes a village to educate a child," emphasizing the communal responsibility in education.
As far as his political party is concerned, Bringas said he was confident it would not be a hindrance to his position in the provincial board of legislators. "I don't think it will hinder our role because once we are in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, we have a mandate that is above political affiliations. Our shared thrust should be to improve the province and its people," he said.
For the reopening of seven classrooms at Dangdangla Elementary School, which were burned before the election, Amador Garcia, DepEd-Abra Schools Division superintendent, said something about requiring assistance from local governments. "We ask for the assistance of the LGUs because we cannot do it by ourselves.". Though we shall endeavor to utilize the department's fast response funds, additional support will help ensure that the over 100 students in attendance at the school can come back as soon as possible," he added in an exclusive interview.
Apart from restoring the classrooms, there is also an urgent need for replenishing learning materials, equipment, and supplies for the students.
