Group looks into collection of fees

The Department of Education will be implementing strictly the no collection of fees during enrollment after learning of reports that some teachers are collecting fees despite the order issued by Education Secretary Jesli Lapus.

DepEd regional director Carolino Mordeno said that they have created a task force to look into reports of forced collection among students, which is strictly prohibited by DepEd.

Mordeno said Lapus issued an order last month prohibiting public school officials from collecting any form of contributions from elementary pupils in the lower levels.

The memorandum was issued for students to be able to enter school without having to pay anything and is one of DepEd’s thrust to give the public access to free education.

The task force will be comprised of some DepEd officials who will go around every school in the region. This will be headed by the division chief and some school heads, Mordeno said.

“No fees shall be collected from schoolchildren enrolled in preschool up to Grade IV during the enrollment period and anytime during the school year. We will penalize teachers and other officials who will not follow this order,” he said.

For grade and year levels beyond Grade IV, no collection of any type could be undertaken during the enrollment period and the first month of classes.

However, starting on the second month, contributions may be collected but only on a voluntary basis. These contributions are for Scout membership, Red Cross membership, anti-TB fund drive, the parents and teachers association, school publication and membership in student organizations. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV