As the new school year approaches, the Department of Education (DepEd) is once again reminding all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide about the strict implementation of its "No Collection Policy." This long-standing directive aims to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to financial constraints, upholding the constitutional right to free basic education.

What is DepEd's "No Collection Policy"?

The "No Collection Policy" strictly prohibits all forms of mandatory contributions and fees from students, especially during enrollment and the crucial first months of classes. This measure is designed to alleviate the financial burden on parents and guardians, ensuring that access to public education remains unhampered for all, particularly for families from marginalized sectors.

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Key Provisions of the Policy

Based on various DepEd Orders, including DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2008, and reiterations in subsequent issuances like DepEd Order No. 41, s. 2012, and DepEd Memorandum No. 143, s. 2016, the policy specifies:

No Mandatory Fees: Schools are explicitly prohibited from collecting any fees or contributions from students, from kindergarten to Grade 12, at any time during the enrollment period.

Voluntary Contributions Only (with conditions): While Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other school organizations may accept voluntary contributions, these must be truly optional. They cannot be a prerequisite for admission, enrollment, or accessing school services.

Transparency and Accountability: If voluntary contributions are collected, these must be done with full transparency, proper accounting, and through resolutions made by PTAs or school organizations, not by school personnel themselves. Collection should also only occur later in the school year, usually after the initial enrollment period.

Prohibited Acts: Schools are forbidden from compelling students to purchase specific items (like school uniforms, graduation rings, or certain school supplies from specific vendors) as a condition for attendance or graduation.

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DepEd's rationale behind this steadfast policy is to ensure that every Filipino child, regardless of their family's economic status, has equal opportunity to pursue basic education. The department provides various funds, including Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), to cover essential school needs and operations.

What Parents and Guardians Should Do

Parents and guardians are encouraged to be vigilant and report any instances of forced collections or mandatory fees imposed by schools or school personnel. Such reports can be made to the respective Schools Division Offices (SDOs) or directly to the DepEd Regional Offices.

By consistently enforcing the "No Collection Policy," DepEd reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible, quality, and equitable basic education to all Filipino learners.