DepEd lists down voluntary contributions,reiterates Public Education is Free!!

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminds parents and
school authorities that education in elementary and
public high schools is free and thus, no payment of fees
is required for admission.
"Free education is enshrined in our Constitution, DepEd
Secretary Jesli Lapus said. "That is why I enjoin our
school officials and the parent-teachers associations to
do their part in ensuring that all Filipino children are
given access to basic education."
In the light of complaints reaching the DepEd Oplan Balik
Eskwela Center on the collection of school fees, Lapus
reiterated DepEd Order 20 which prohibits public schools
from requiring payment of contributions before admission.
"The only authorized fees are for Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, Red Cross and the Anti-TB campaign," Lapus
explained. "Their fees, however, are still voluntary in
nature."
Where applicable, schools are also allowed to collect
contributions for their school papers, but also on a
voluntary basis. For elementary schools, the publication
fee should not exceed P55, while for high school
publications, fees should not go beyond P80.
Student organizations are also allowed to collect
voluntary contributions of up to P55 per student,
provided that these organizations are recognized by
DepEd.
"We are serious about giving sanctions to erring school
officials," Lapus added. "We will not hesitate to suspend
principals and teachers who do not comply with our
regulations."
END