Republic Act (RA) 7160: School-Based Management (SBM)

RA 7160: SBM is the institutional expression of the decentralization of education at the grassroots level. It is based on the national policy of decentralization originally set by the Philippine Local Government Code (PLGC) of 1991 (RA 7160) as a response to the new chalenges for sustainable human development by enabling local communities to become self-reliant and more effective partners in the attainment of national goals.

Consistent with this policy, formerly the Department of education, Culture and Sports (DECS) but now at present the Department of Education (DepED) intended to realize decentralization through its 10-year master plan (1995-2005) by giving more and more decision-making powers to local school officials, in terms of school repairs and maintenance; and the procurement of textbooks, school supplies, and equipment, to improve its nationwide operations and delivery of servises.

Subsequently, DECS OrderNo. 230 in 1999, further defined decentralization to mean: 1.) promotion of SBM; 2) transfer of authority and decision-making from central to regional offices to the divisions and schools; 3) sharing education management responsibilities with other stakeholders such as the Local government Units (LGUs), Parent-Teacher-Community Associations (PTCAs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); and 4) devolution of education functions.