Saturday, July 28, 2007 Education dep’t warns schools operating sans permits By Carlo P. Mallo
THE Department of Education (DepEd)-Southern Mindanao warned anew private institutions that are operating without securing the necessary permits.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapuz issued a memorandum last year against the proliferation of private educational institutions, especially in the pre-school and elementary levels, that are operating without the necessary permits.
DepEd-Southern Mindanao Director Susana Teresa Estigoy warned owners and administrators of private educational institutions to get the necessary permits from the regional office before they begin operating otherwise face sanctions.
In a statement, Estigoy quoted the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools Section 26 paragraph 2, "it is unlawful for any institution to offer programs or courses of study without prior permit issued by DepEd."
Last December, DepEd secretary Lapuz issued a memorandum which stated that, "as per guidelines, application for a government permit shall be submitted not later than September 30 of the school year preceding that for which operation is sought to give time to the six months evaluation and inspection period to be covered within October to March."
The process for the procurement of an operating permit from DepEd starts with the submission of the application/letter of intent on which basis the region shall direct the division superintendent concerned to advise the division supervisor in-charge for private schools to conduct a thorough inspection of the school and submit a detailed report to the regional office for evaluation. A regional supervisor assigned to oversee private schools shall then visit the school for re-evaluation.
According to a Department of Education Culture and Sports (Decs) Service Manual 2000 Section 3 paragraph 3.7, existing schools that have no development plans or have not taken any positive steps or actions towards development and growth, or have not maintained satisfactory standards in their operation of duly authorized courses shall not be allowed to open new courses.
Private schools must be ready with all the requirements. These requirements include feasibility study, Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) of the school site, campus development and landscaping plans, copy of the latest Financial Statement certified by an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for existing schools.
Other requirements include proposed curriculum, class programs, list of facilities, equipment and supplies, list of teaching and non-teaching staff and their complete papers to ensure quality education for the school children.
Estigoy strictly implements no government permit, no operation for private schools in order to ensure the quality of education and to protect schoolchildren and parents from private schools using its establishment for business purposes only. (With Press release)
