🏫 Understanding DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2025: Key Guidelines for Transferring Students Between Public & Private Schools 📚

The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2025 to address the growing need for more flexible and transparent procedures in the enrollment of transferees within the Philippine educational system. This revised policy, referred to as the Revised Basic Education Enrollment Policy, provides clear guidelines for the transfer of students between public and private schools. Whether you are a parent, a school registrar, or an education professional, understanding the new rules can help ensure smooth transitions for students.

📄 Key Document Requirements for Student Transfers

As per DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2025, students transferring between schools must provide essential documentation to facilitate the enrollment process. One of the primary documents required is the SF 9 (Report Card), which must be signed by the school head or, in the absence of the report card, a letter certifying the last grade level completed. This letter must be signed by the School Registrar.

This step ensures that both receiving and sending schools have the proper documentation to track the academic progress of the learner. The requirement aims to eliminate delays in the enrollment process and ensure accurate academic records are transferred efficiently.

💰 Transferees with Unsettled Financial Obligations: What You Need to Know

A significant concern for many parents is dealing with outstanding financial obligations when transferring from a private school to a public school. DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2025 has put measures in place to accommodate these students while allowing them to complete their educational journey.

According to Item ii under Information System Management for Enrollment Data, if a student is transferring from a private institution with unresolved financial obligations, the receiving public school is tasked with assisting the parent or legal guardian in drafting an Affidavit of Undertaking. This affidavit serves as a formal agreement to address the outstanding balance with the private school.

The receiving school will need to help facilitate the enrollment by ensuring that an electronic notification of transfer is sent through the Learner Information System (LIS) portal. Private schools must confirm the transfer request and flag the learner’s financial situation within 30 calendar days. Once the transfer is approved, students can be Temporarily Enrolled while the private school works to resolve the financial issue.

This system aims to reduce barriers to education and gives students a fair chance to continue their studies without being hindered by financial challenges.

🔍 How This New Policy Affects Schools and Parents

The Revised Basic Education Enrollment Policy reflects a growing commitment to support both students and families in navigating the challenges of school transfers. Schools play a critical role in ensuring that the enrollment process is as smooth as possible, while also making sure all necessary documents are in place to confirm academic progression.

From the parent’s perspective, the policy ensures that no child is left behind due to incomplete financial settlements or missing paperwork. The affidavit of undertaking provides a safety net that allows learners to continue their education even if their financial obligations have not yet been resolved.

Additionally, receiving schools are encouraged to maintain clear communication with private institutions to ensure that the transfer process is handled swiftly and without unnecessary delays. This interconnected approach also helps to reduce the number of students who fall through the cracks or face disruptions in their educational journey.

🏫 What Parents and Schools Should Do Now

For parents looking to transfer their children between schools, the first step is to ensure that the necessary documents, particularly the SF 9 or certification letter, are ready for submission. Schools must also make sure that they are compliant with the guidelines outlined in DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2025 to facilitate smooth transitions.

Furthermore, if financial obligations are a concern, parents should immediately communicate with the receiving school to ensure that the affidavit process is initiated promptly. Both public and private institutions must cooperate closely through the LIS portal to streamline the transfer process.

📢 The Bottom Line: Clearer, Fairer, and Faster Enrollment

In conclusion, DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2025 seeks to eliminate the administrative roadblocks that often hinder students from smoothly transferring between schools. By providing clear guidelines on the necessary documents and addressing the challenge of unsettled financial obligations, this policy aims to make the enrollment process more inclusive and efficient.

The new provisions ensure that students are not delayed in their educational journey due to factors outside of their control, fostering a more supportive environment for all learners. As a result, students can continue their studies without fear of being held back by administrative or financial hurdles.