DepEd reminds schools on no-collection policy, sets hotlines

With school set to start in a little over a week, the Department of Education on Friday reminded school officials to observe the policy prohibiting the collection of fees during enrolment.

 

DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro cited DepEd Order 41 issued in 2012, stating that no fee shall be collected from pupils in kindergarten up to Grade 4 anytime during School Year 2013-2014.

 

There will also be no collection for students in Grade 5 to fourth year high school from June to July 2013.

 

The DepEd advised the public to call its DETxt hotlines (02) 636-1663 and (02) 633-1942 or email action@deped.gov.ph to report unauthorized collections.

 

“There is an urgent need to minimize, if not eliminate, financial constraints among parents during the opening of classes,” Luistro said in a news release posted on the Official Gazette website Friday.

 

“Let me be clear on this, in no case shall non-payment of voluntary school contributions or membership fees be made a basis for non-admission, non-promotion or non-issuance of clearance to a student. And that includes withholding of report cards,” he said. —KG, GMA News