LAOAG CITY—The Department of Education (DepEd) in Ilocos Norte has reiterated its call to all public schools in the province to refrain from collecting money contributions from parents on the onset of school year.
In an interview on Monday, Ilocos Norte Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda warned public school teachers who are found collecting or soliciting money until August of this school year will be sanctioned accordingly.
Eda said the DepEd is clear on the guidelines of no collection policy, which is meant to provide free basic education to all learners in public elementary and secondary schools.
“Based on DepEd guidelines, it specifies that authorized contributions must remain voluntary and not compulsory,” said Eda.
Among these include contributions for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Anti-TB Fund Drive, Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), and school publication fee.
In time for the June opening, Eda said there had been complaints from schools parents saying some school contributions are being collected from them.
The DepEd, however, clarified that school contributions should not hinder parents to send their children to school.
Public schools opening is set on June 4. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
