AS CLASSES formally opened on Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd)-Central Luzon Tuesday reminded the public, including school heads and teachers, that the “no collection” policy is still strictly enforced in all public schools in the region.
In a radio interview Tuesday, June 5, DepEd-Central luzon information officer Michelle Catap-Lacson explained that DepEd Order 41 series of 2012, which covers the prohibition of collecting fees during enrolment and the start of classes, must be strictly observed by school officials.
She explained that there is no reason for schools to collect fees as all maintenance and rehabilitation activities conducted by the school will be charged on Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).
“While the ‘no collection’ policy is strictly implemented, parents still have the choice to do voluntary contributions if they wish to. It can be monetary or in kind as long as it will not be obligatory,” she said.
Parents-teachers associations can also implement projects from their own funds if they wish to provide development to their respective schools, but fees authorized by said associations must not be compulsory on the part of students, said Catap-Lacson.
Should there be incidents where parents are asked for any payment, Catap-Lacson advised them to immediately report to DepEd-Central Luzon the parents and school officials involved.
If reports are proven true, school officials can be held liable and charged administratively, she added.