The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Pampanga strictly enforced the “No Collection Policy” from June-July in different public schools in Pampanga particularly during the enrolment period.
This was the statement made by DepEd School Division Superintendent Leonardo ”Ding” Zapanta in an interview at “Pampanga Kaluguran Daka” aired over RW 95.1 FM every Tuesday and Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. hosted by Joel Mapiles, Pampanga provincial information officer.
Zapanta issued a memorandum that orders every public school in the province to place the “no collection policy” signage in front of the schools.
Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA) are only allowed to collect voluntary contributions for its proposed projects in the month of August onwards, he said.
“Non-payment of the contributions by the parent-member shall not be a basis for non-admission or non-issuance of clearance(s) to the child by the school concerned,” he said.
He also mentioned that it’s strictly prohibited for teachers to sign student’s clearance in exchange of cleaning materials such as paint, broom, pail, dipper, among others.
“Bawal din ang magsingil ng utang sa graduation fee, isumbong n’yo sakin at bibigyan namin ng tamang administratibong aksyon iyong taong may gawa niyan” he said.
Zapanta said it is the policy of the department that no teacher or any school personnel shall be involved in collection activities by the PTA Treasurer.
He also cited a situation if by coincidence three or more siblings attended the same school then only one of them will pay for voluntary contributions.
“The contribution shall be collected by the PTA Treasurer on a per parent-member basis regardless of the number of children in school,” he added.