DepEd asks schools to release students' clearances on time

The Department of Education (DepEd) has asked schools to release students' clearances on time, in order to facilitate enrolment for the coming school year and reminded school officials that the release of clearances cannot be delayed because of failure to pay certain contributions. Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro made the announcement after the DepEd received complaints from parents that some teachers refuse to give clearances to students who failed to pay parent-teacher association (PTA) fees. The DepEd also received reports that some students are required to bring cleaning implements before their clearances are released. In a statement released over the weekend, Luistro said he finds it disheartening that some members of the education system are making the "take-off" to education reforms harder. "They should realize that such acts defeat the purpose of our (education for all) commitment because they are discouraging enrolment," he said. "We are in the education sector and we are mandated to provide education and instill values to our students, and yet there are some who cannot follow and implement simple orders such as the 'no collection policy," he added. DepEd Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Alberto Muyot reiterated that the department does not allow schools and teachers to deny the release of student clearances for non-academic reasons such as failure to contribute fees. DepEd said teachers and school officials should not be collecting fees at all and the only entity authorized to collect voluntary financial contributions is the PTA. The Education Department added that students cannot be refused admission and release of clearances cannot be delayed only because a student failed to contribute to the PTA. Muyot added that requiring a student to donate materials and supplies in exchange of students' records and other official school documents is not allowed. Any violation of the "no collection policy" will be dealt with accordingly, including the filing of appropriate administrative charges, Muyot said. — Candice Montenegro/RSJ, GMA News