KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — South Cotabato is setting a national benchmark for free public education as Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. ramps up investments in both human resources and school infrastructure. The Provincial School Board (PSB) budget is projected to surpass ₱150 million this year, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to accessible, quality learning.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Renette B. Bergado confirmed that the PSB has already allocated ₱112 million through its annual and initial supplemental budgets.
“Based on our data, we are expecting a second supplemental budget that will likely push the total beyond ₱150 million,” Bergado stated.
Beyond the PSB funds, the Office of the Provincial Governor has earmarked an additional ₱92.4 million to support public school operations.
The allocation covers the salaries of 1,563 personnel—including security guards, janitors, and school clerks—allowing teachers to focus entirely on instruction. The workforce includes 568 teachers and 246 learning support aides.
Furthermore, individual schools receive an average of ₱100,000 in direct financial assistance to address immediate needs, particularly in remote areas.
These sustained investments are yielding tangible results. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) now ranks South Cotabato among the Top 10 provinces nationwide in both basic and functional literacy.
“Our vision is long-term. This investment has translated into high literacy rates, proving that the Governor’s strategy is working,” Bergado added.
The province’s educational reach extends to 50 newly constructed classrooms, the Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Grant-in-Aid for college students, and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for out-of-school youth.
Governor Tamayo, a lifelong education advocate, has also expanded literacy outreach to include reading centers and adult teaching programs in underserved areas.
“Sustainability in progress only happens when we invest in education,” Governor Tamayo noted during a recent press briefing.
He said, “We are walking the extra mile—literally—to teach our elders and youth alike, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from our programs.”
By positioning education as a cornerstone of provincial development, South Cotabato continues to ensure that no youth is left behind in the pursuit of a better future.
