Talisay council intent on enforcing PTA regulations

The Talisay City council adopted last Thursday a resolution which reinforces the implementation of the Department of Education's Revised Guidelines Governing Parent-Teacher Associations and Parents-Teachers Community Associations at the school level in all public schools in the city.

"The DepEd Order No. 23 series of 2003 of the Revised Guidelines Governing PTAs/PTCAs at the School Level has been serving as a primary and guiding parameter in the conduct of all PTAs/PTCAs in school based activities," read the resolution.

Resolution author Councilor Richel Bacaltos said the guidelines serve as the associations' point of reference in the organization of affairs, management of business, limitations, financial matters, and sanctions.

He said the strict implementation of it can "put to rest the many queries, concerns and issues that are cropping up with regards to the organization and management of PTAs and PTCAs in the public schools."

The council also adopted another resolution, also authored by Bacaltos, requesting the City Schools Division Superintendent Carmelita Dulangon to review and monitor the collection of voluntary contributions and other school fees imposed by the city's public elementary and secondary schools.

Bacaltos, in an interview, said a parent regardless the number of kids he or she has will only have to pay for the PTCA membership fee. In Talisay City Central School, each student is asked to pay upon enrolment or after the school year, the total amount of P320, which includes fees for the PTCA, barangay tanod, Red Cross, Boy/Girl Scout of the Philippines, "Sustaining," Anti-Tuberculosis, Forms, Clubs, Testing Materials, Miscellaneous (Light and Water), and school maintenance.

Bacaltos said that for club membership each pupil or student has to pay the amount.

Bacaltos, who heads the education committee, admitted that there are some teachers who don't follow the guidelines. It is stipulated in the guidelines "no teacher or any school personnel shall be involved in such collection activities."

It will be Dulagon, as Bacaltos has requested in one of these resolutions, who would monitor such activities.

"Mangingking na sila ani," Bacaltos said. - Liv G. Campo