By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod City Councilor Al Victor Espino publicly apologized Monday for the non-distribution of school supplies to public school students from kindergarten to Grade 6 last year.
Espino made the apology during the launch of this year’s school supplies distribution at Rizal Elementary School, led by Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.
“This time, the distribution of school supplies is on time,” Espino said.
He added, “Last year, I would like to express my apologies for the shortcomings. While we gave credit to those involved, I also acknowledge that there were deficiencies on my part.”
Espino explained that he had anticipated the rising costs of school materials, especially paper. He pointed out that last year’s budget for school supplies was P15 million, amounting to about P200 per student, which was insufficient. Consequently, the distribution of school supplies did not proceed.
“My apologies, I take full responsibility for what happened last year,” Espino said.
This year, another P15 million was added, totaling P30 million, with an allocation of P412 per student.
He noted that last year’s experience highlighted what needed to be done. Under the direction of the mayor, an additional P15 million was allocated for school supplies through the Special Education Fund.
Mayor Benitez assured that the school supplies would be sufficient for all students from kindergarten to Grade 6.
He added that as of the latest count, there are more than 65,000 enrollees for this school year, but there are excess school supply packages for late enrollees.
Benitez expressed hope that the distribution to all public elementary schools would be completed by Friday.
Additionally, Benitez announced plans to install Wi-Fi systems in all public elementary schools in the city. The city government has allocated P67 million for this project.
