Creation and Composition of the Supervisory Committee
- Committee composed of Secretary of Education (Chairman), Secretary of Public Works and Communications, and Secretary of Finance.
- Tasked with adopting a twenty-year public elementary school building construction program.
- Program covers all municipalities and cities nationwide.
Standardization of School Building Plans
- Preparation of standardized building plans and specifications.
- Different types for urban and rural communities.
- Emphasis on functionality, economy, structural strength, durability, aesthetics, and landscaping.
Fund Allocation and Release Mechanism
- Secretary of Education determines fund distribution among congressional districts.
- Distribution based on the number of pupils not housed in permanent/semi-permanent buildings.
- Release of funds requires recommendation from the local congressman or, if none, the previous incumbent or provincial governor.
- Simultaneous and proportionate fund release for like projects in all districts mandated.
Procurement and Execution of Projects
- Projects to be executed through public bidding following Bureau of Public Works procedures.
- Allowance for execution by administration if no bids or if lower cost can be achieved.
Engineering Surcharge
- Surcharge capped at 2% of actual project cost.
- Covers expenses related to inspection, material checking, and contract document preparation.
Land Requirements for School Buildings
- Construction permitted only on lands owned by city, municipality, or National Government.
- Alternatively, land may be donated or purchased.
- Title must be registered under applicable land registration laws.
- Secretary of Education may authorize construction upon filing registration application.
Treatment of Unexpended Funds
- Unexpended balances revert to the National Treasury.
- These balances may not be withdrawn or spent for other purposes.
- Unexpended amounts added to the next fiscal year’s appropriation.
Penalties for Violations
- Illegal allocation, distribution, or release of funds punishable.
- Penalty includes imprisonment for up to one year and/or fine up to five hundred pesos.
Applicability of Other Public Works Laws
- Subject to specific sections of Republic Act No. 3846 concerning public works appropriations and synchronization.
Separability Clause
- Declaration that invalidity of any section does not affect the rest of the Act.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect immediately upon approval.