DepEd welcomes offer to monitor no graduation fee collection

(PRESS RELEASE)

The Department of Education welcomes the offer of child welfare group, Akap Bata Party-List to monitor the schools to ensure that no fees are collected among students as a prerequisite to graduation in public schools.

Education Secretary Armin said the DepEd is open to working with private watchdogs, non-government organizations and other education stakeholders so that the no-collection policy is strictly adhered to in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

“DepEd is such a big organization and we need more hands on deck   in ensuring that graduation rites are devoid of pomp and pageantry and that no   fees are collected from students,” Luistro stressed.  

 Akap Bata launched “GRADFEE MONITOR 2012” and allotted the (02) 5163206 hotline number as a grievance center for parents and students to air their complaints regarding graduation fees.

”We are one with the DepEd in pushing this kind of policy that will surely benefit our graduating students,” says Arlene Brosas, national secretary-general of Akap Bata Party-List.

Brosas added, “we encourage concerned individuals, especially parents and even students to call the hotline and report any forms of charges being collected by public school officials for graduation rites, yearbooks and alike.”

DepEd has reiterated the intent of DepEd Order No 8 series of 2005 which prohibits the collection of any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for the graduation rites. The order also stipulated that no extravagant special graduation attire and extraordinary venue are required.

Moreover, Luistro emphasized that the graduation rites itself should be solemn, focused on the students and their parents, and not be used as a venue for political forum.