By Brian Campued
The Department of Education (DepEd) is leading the nationwide preparations for the opening of the School Year 2026-2027 on June 8, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to champion a safe and conducive learning environment for Filipino learners.
During the National Capital Region Brigada Eskuwela 2026 kick-off at Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Navotas City on Tuesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara joined the President in the inspection of newly installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras within the campus.
The use of a CCTV network is part of DepEd’s broader security program to keep schools safe and protect students against bullying, vandalism, and unauthorized campus entry.
“Malaking bagay na kasama natin si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos para makita na kapag ligtas ang paaralan dahil sa mga CCTV, mas nakatutok ang mga bata sa pag-aaral,” Sec. Angara said as quoted in a DepEd press release.
While preparations for the school opening are in full swing, Angara reminded field offices and school leaders that teachers are neither required nor expected to spend out-of-pocket for classroom preparations, reiterating the strict implementation of the “No Collection” policy.
Under the said policy, schools are prohibited from collecting any mandatory fees or contributions for Brigada Eskuwela, enrollment, or other school opening activities.
The DepEd chief stressed that expenses for campus preparations must come from available school funds, directing school heads to maximize and properly utilize their School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for legitimate operational expenses, maintenance, and minor campus repairs.
“Alam naming maraming guro ang kusang tumutulong dahil mahal nila ang kanilang mga estudyante at paaralan, at lubos natin itong pinahahalagahan.
Pero malinaw dapat na hindi sila inaatasang gumastos mula sa sariling bulsa. Responsibilidad nating gawing mas madali para sa teachers na magturo, hindi dagdagan ang kanilang pasanin,” he said
Angara likewise assured teachers that they are streamlining administrative and financial support mechanisms to shield teachers from expenses, to allow them to focus entirely on teaching. This is on top of the ongoing implementation of Republic Act 11997 or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which grants teaching allowance to eligible public school teachers to cover teaching supplies, equipment, incidental expenses, and other teaching needs.
According to Sec. Angara, DepEd’s coordinated efforts in support of the education sector align with the directive of Marcos to ensure that public schools are fully equipped and ready for the class opening without putting administrative or financial burdens on teachers.
-jpv
