DepEd reminds public: Public education is for free

Incoming students in public schools do not need to pay any amount to enroll, according to the Department of Education (DepEd), less than a week before the opening of classes on June 3.

"Walang bayad ang public education up to high school, guaranteed 'yan sa Constitution. We have a 'No Fee Policy,'" Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in an interview on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Tuesday.

She added that parents of students also have the liberty to transfer their children from private to public schools and vice versa, given that they comply with the requirements.

An estimated 27.8 million students nationwide are expected to be back to school this academic year, according to the DepEd.

A Public Assistance Command Center (PACC) was opened at the DepEd central office to accommodate queries and complaints regarding the upcoming opening of classes.

The public may contact these hotlines from May 27 to June 7, 2019:

• 636-1663
• 635-9817
• 638-7530
• 633-1942
• 638-8641
• 638-7529
• 634-0222

— Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News