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Addressing Ph failed education system: Sen. Pia S. Cayetano expresses disappointment over a failed system in the Philippine education. During Tuesday’s plenary session, January 23, 2024, Cayetano said based on the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) report, since 2012, only 27 textbooks have been procured for Grades 1 to 10 despite substantial budget allocations. Cayetano said the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget utilization data shows that from 2018 to 2022 alone, a total of P12.6 billion has been allocated to textbooks and other instructional materials but only P4.5 billion (35.3 percent) has been obligated and P952 million (7.5 percent) has been disbursed. “Where did the money go? Where are the books? And if it is a failure in the system, well, the money has to be accounted for. It is a failure of delivering education to our children,” Cayetano stressed. The senator further said she will exhaust all avenues to address and find solutions to improve the education system in the country. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)