DepEd 'reallocates' fund for holiday celebration to aid employees affected by typhoon

The Department of Education (DepEd) said that it has cancelled its supposed procurement of more than P4 million funds allocated for procurement of Christmas ham and cheese for its holiday celebration, calling it inappropriate amid the pandemic and the current typhoon disasters in the country.

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DepEd released a statement after the halted procurement came to light on social media, drawing public criticism for the supposed expense.

DepEd public service affairs director June Arvin Gudoy then responded to reporters in a Viber group: “The call for bidding has been canceled. It was regular procurement but it is inappropriate at this time when our employees are severely affected by recent disasters.”

Gudoy said the department has reallocated the funds to aid employees heavily affected by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, which brought severe flooding and damage across Luzon this month. Funds will also be used to provide support for those affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

DepEd deleted the invitation for bidding of the Christmas ham and cheese supply on its website this Saturday.

DepEd said other regional and division offices not affected by the typhoons have offered to help teachers and learners hit by the successive storms.