DepEd reminds schools of ‘no collection’ policy

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is reminding schools of its no collection policy as part of efforts to ensure that basic education remains free for elementary and high school students.

Under DepEd Memorandum 41 signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Aug. 2, the agency reiterated that “the sale of tickets and/or the collection of contributions in any form whatsoever, by any person for any project or purpose, whether voluntary or otherwise, from school children, students and teachers of public and private schools, colleges and universities is hereby prohibited.”

Under Republic Act 4206, violators of the no collection policy could be imprisoned for a month or fined upon the discretion of the court.

Angara also reminded all DepEd personnel of the agency’s code of conduct that prohibits unwarranted solicitations and collection of contributions.

“This order hereby underscores the policy that sales of tickets and/or all forms of contributions, voluntary or otherwise, are prohibited except for the instances provided under RA 4206, as amended,” he said.

Under the law, the prohibition does not cover membership fees of students for the Red Cross and the Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

The contributions of parents and other donors for the support of barrio high schools are also excluded from the prohibition.