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Friday, May 19, 2006
'Collection of tuition fees' in public schools hit
By Reynaldo G. Navales
MABALACAT -- A group of parents on Thursday criticized the alleged compulsory collection of fees in public elementary and secondary schools in the town.
The parents complained that some teachers in a public school in Barangay Dau here even refused to enroll children who failed to pay voluntary fees last year. They said the alleged collection of fees happens despite guidelines issued by the education department prohibiting it.
In the department's order, it was stated that students in public elementary and secondary schools have the right to enroll without being compelled to pay any amounts as requirement for enrolment.
The education department however allows the schools to accept voluntary contributions for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), and Anti-Tuberculosis Education and Fund Drive.
But the payment of contributions, the agency order stated, shall not be made a requirement for admission or for the release of report cards and test results.
The ruling also applies for clearance purposes in case of transfer of students to other schools.
Teachers and other school personnel are also prohibited from collecting contributions for these organizations.
School officials including the division superintendents, principals, and teachers are enjoined to strictly implement the order.
But the parents claimed that the order of the education department is not being implemented religiously.
The school heads are also directed to post an announcement at the entrance of the school, which states that "Enrolment does not require the payment of any contribution or fee" and "All contributions and fees being collected are not prerequisite for enrolment and are voluntary in nature."
Enrollment already started in selected government primary and secondary schools in the town.
"Enrolment is free. No contribution has to be paid to enroll your child. All contributions being collected during enrolment are voluntary," the parents said.
(May 19, 2006 issue)
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