BACOLOD City – The Department of Education in Negros Occidental reminded public school officials to strictly impose the “no collection” policy as classes begin.
Cited on the Memorandum No. 199, series of 2019 issued by Schools Division superintendent Portia Mallorca, “no fees shall be collected from school children in preschool up to grade six during the enrolment period and at any time during the school year.”
Mallorca stated “no collection of any type should be undertaken during the enrolment period and the first month of classes for grade levels beyond grade six.”
She added contributions may already be collected starting on the second month but “on a voluntary basis” only.
The following are fees collected from students every school year:
*Boy/Girl Scout membership
*Red Cross membership
*Anti-tuberculosis fund drive
*Parents-Teachers Association (PTA)
*School publication
*Student organizations membership
According to Mallorca, the PTA may start collecting fees only after presenting a report on the utilization of the previous year’s collections to their members and school administration.
She also reiterated that public elementary and secondary school officials should ensure the attendance of pre-registered learners on the first day of classes.
Mallorca added that learners who are not pre-registered must proceed to the enrolment desk located in the principal’s office, guidance office, or any strategic location in the school for enrolment and subsequent placement in specific section. (With a report from PNA/PN)
