The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up support for public schools ahead of the school opening while reiterating to field offices and school leaders that teachers are neither required nor expected to spend out-of-pocket for classroom preparations.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Tuesday said the DepEd is actively streamlining administrative and financial support mechanisms to shield teachers from expenses, allowing them to focus entirely on teaching.

“Alam naming maraming guro ang kusang tumutulong dahil mahal nila ang kanilang mga estudyante at paaralan, at lubos natin itong pinahahalagahan (We know that many teachers volunteer to help because they love their students and their schools, and we deeply appreciate that),” he said in a news release.

“Pero malinaw dapat na hindi sila inaatasang gumastos mula sa sariling bulsa. Responsibilidad nating gawing mas madali para sa teachers na magturo, hindi dagdagan ang kanilang pasanin (But it must be clear that they are not required to spend from their own pockets. It is our responsibility to make it easier for teachers to teach, not to add to their burdens),” he added.

To protect both personnel and stakeholders, the DepEd reminded the public of the strict implementation of its “No Collection” policy.

Schools are strictly prohibited from collecting any mandatory fees or contributions for Brigada Eskwela, enrollment or other school opening activities.

School heads were also directed to maximize and properly utilize their School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for legitimate operational expenses, maintenance and minor campus repairs.

MOOE funds are directly downloaded to implementing unit schools, while non-implementing schools receive logistical support through their respective Schools Division Offices.

The DepEd clarified that Brigada Eskwela should be treated as a community-wide “bayanihan” effort and not as a fundraising activity.

The annual program relies on the collaboration of local government units, private sector, civil society organizations and volunteers to prepare schools for learners.

More than a month before the formal launch, the DepEd coordinated with partners to align logistical assistance.

Several strategic partners are expected to set up dedicated help desks and service booths during the Brigada Eskwela week to expedite the delivery of assistance to public schools.

In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, the DepEd will deploy around 240,000 workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

They will provide maintenance, cleaning and logistical support to 5,000 large public schools nationwide.

This initiative aims to augment manpower for classroom preparations while providing temporary livelihoods to qualified parents and relatives of students.

The DepEd also underscored the ongoing implementation of broader welfare programs for teachers.

This includes Republic Act 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which grants a teaching allowance to eligible public school teachers to cover teaching supplies, equipment, incidental expenses and other instructional needs.

Angara noted that these coordinated measures align with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that public schools are fully equipped and ready for the class opening without placing administrative or financial burdens on teachers. (PNA)