AURORA Representative Rommel Rico Angara is seeking to expand the purpose and application of the Special Education Fund

In his House Bill 10978, Angara is pushing to amend Section 272 of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991.

Under the Local Government Code, the SEF is sourced from the additional levy of one percent of the assessed value of real property collected by local governments.

It further mandates that SEF proceeds be used for the operation and maintenance of public schools, the construction and repair of school buildings, facilities, and equipment, educational research, the purchase of books and periodicals, and sports development, as determined and approved by the Local School Board.

Meanwhile, Angara noted that during the 16th Congress, the Senate Committee on Local Government undertook a review of the Local Government Code, which included the SEF.

As a result of the hearings and consultations, a proposal to amend Section 272 was introduced, expanding the list of expenses for which SEF proceeds may be used.

Angara stressed that by broadening the coverage of the SEF, the rights and due compensation of education sector personnel and learners would be institutionalized. This would provide a robust, more responsive support system, boosting Filipino competitiveness in the global economy.