• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City government has earmarked P16,430,000 in financial assistance for athletes and coaching staff and personnel participating in the Negros Occidental Athletic Association and Cultural Meet 2024 that will start today, April 1, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod has authorized Mayor Alfredo Benitez to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Education Division of Bacolod, for the grant of the financial assistance.
The funds extended to DepEd-Division of Bacolod are to be sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF), which is subject to the revised guidelines on the use of the SEF…and a joint DepEd-DBM-DILG circular, which provides that expenses for sports development are chargeable towards the SEF, the City Legal Office said of the proposed MOA.
As per the Provincial Meet budget of DepEd Bacolod, about P3.6 million will be for the food expense of about 900 delegates, including 520 athletes, 101 coaches and assistant coaches, as well as chaperons and trainors, among others, for eight days.
The assistance also includes P1.9 million in parade uniform allowance, another P1.9 million in bags/shoes/caps allowance, more than P2 million in playing allowance/incentives, P1 million medalist incentive, P650,000 assistance to billeting schools, as well as medical assistance and supply, and sports equipment, ang others.
Under the MOA, DepEd Bacolod shall submit liquidation and fund utilization reports with supporting documents not later than 30 days upon receipt of the financial assistance. | CGC
