By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance seeking to establish a dedicated City Education Office (CEdO), marking a significant step toward strengthening the city government’s role in education governance.
The measure, titled the “Bacolod City Education Office Establishment Ordinance of 2026,” aims to institutionalize a centralized office that will oversee the planning, coordination and implementation of education programs across all levels in the city.
Councilor Caesar Distrito said the proposal responds to evolving national education policies and increasing local demands for a more structured and data-driven system.
He emphasized that the creation of a permanent office would help improve education outcomes from early childhood to lifelong learning.
If enacted, the CEdO will serve as the local government’s technical and administrative arm for education-related concerns.
Its functions will include managing and optimizing the Special Education Fund (SEF), developing and implementing local education programs, and strengthening early childhood care and foundational literacy initiatives.
The office will also coordinate closely with the Department of Education, local school boards and other stakeholders while overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of education performance indicators and school infrastructure.
The proposed ordinance highlights key priority programs, including nutrition support for the first 1,000 days of children, supplemental feeding for learners, expansion of early childhood education, and ensuring that all children achieve foundational literacy.
To operationalize the office, an initial appropriation of P10 million has been proposed to cover staffing, facilities, and other essential resources.
Distrito noted that the investment is crucial to achieving long-term and sustainable improvements in Bacolod’s education system.
The ordinance is expected to undergo further deliberations as it moves through the legislative process./CJ, WDJ