THE COMMISSION on Audit flagged the University of the Philippines System for underspending.

The UPS failed to utilize P61 million of its allotted budget, some of which were for Covid19 research and treatment.

The funds came from the Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and the Commission on Higher Education.

Almost P34 million was allocated by the DoH for biomolecular surveillance gear and testing supplies.

The PCHRD, on the other hand, allotted P20 million for a project to help analyze Covid19 virus.

CHED also handed UPS a budget for two programs with a total budget of P7.7 million but was also unutilized.

COA noted that the university should come up with a strategy for the better utilization of its funds to fasttrack projects and programs.

UPS also has an unutilized balance percentage after only spending one percent of the P5 million budget for the “Plan Manila 2030″ program.