DepEd Region One reaffirms "No Collection Policy" amidst social media complaints

DepEd Region One reaffirms "No Collection Policy" amidst social media complaints

During the recent "Kumustahan" meeting of DepEd-Region 1 on February 17, 2025, in Catbangen, San Fernando City, La Union, Mr. Johnson P. Sunga, Education Program Supervisor of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division of DepEd-Region 1, emphasized that students are not required to pay any fees in accordance with the agency's "No Collection Policy." He clarified that any fees charged by schools should be agreed upon by the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). However, he also stated that the policies set by DepEd are of higher authority than those discussed within the PTA, and it is important to follow DepEd’s policy, not the PTA’s.

He mentioned that there are Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) in schools, and thus it cannot be said that DepEd has no money, nor is it acceptable to require students to purchase school equipment such as electric fans, TVs, water dispensers, and others. He also emphasized that schools should not require a clearance for students to ensure that there are no fees to be paid.

He explained that clearances are sometimes used by schools to pressure students into paying and to withhold credentials or documents. He deemed it "unconstitutional" and illegal to require such a clearance. Sunga reiterated that Basic Education is "free," and students are not responsible for paying any fees. He called on parents and students to report any such incidents to DepEd offices immediately.

He clarified that schools may charge for voluntary memberships such as in the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and School Paper, but these fees should be optional, not mandatory. He also urged school heads to use the MOOE funds wisely for the benefit of the school.