DepEd asked to check permits of pre-schools

A Provincial Board member has filed a proposed measure requesting the Department of Education local top executive to check and monitor pre-schools in the province that are operating without the necessary permits and accreditation.

PB member Juan Bolo, who also sits as the chairman of the committee on education, made this proposal after getting reports regarding this.

Bolo pointed out that parents of toddlers and pre-schoolers who paid excessive fees just to ensure that their children will be taught quality education must not be shortchanged in view of the absence of the necessary permits and accreditation from DepEd.

"These schools catering to our toddlers and pre-schoolers are charging high tuition fees not to mention exorbitant miscellaneous fees to the detriment of our legitimate school operators," Bolo's proposed measure read.

Absence of the necessary documents for operations makes the pre-schools concerned free from sanctions of the DepEd, as the said government agency is tasked to approve the operational system of schools.

In relation to this, Bolo has also filed a proposed resolution calling on parents of schoolchildren in public schools to be wary of teachers asking for contributions as a condition for enrollment.

Bolo reiterated the reminder of Education Secretary Fe Hidalgo to public school officials that enrollment is supposed to be free, specifically by saying that any collection of contributions from students is not a requirement for admission.

In fact, parents who are victims of school teachers' or officials' imposition of mandatory collection of school fees are encouraged to report the said incident to the DepEd Detxt 2622 hotline or to any Balik Eskwela Information and Action Centers nationwide.

Further, there is another proposed measure of Bolo urging all local chief executives of the 47 municipalities and five component cities in the province to deploy policemen to the various schools in their respective areas of jurisdiction to ensure the safety of the children during the enrolment period.

"With the upsurge of the number of students that are expected to troop to schools during enrolment time, it will be wise to assign policemen to schools," Bolo said.

He stressed the presence of policemen within school premises during this period will prevent bad elements from preying on children. - Cristina C. Birondo