For decades, the "No Collection Policy" has been a cornerstone of public education, yet a frustrating reality persists: many schools continue to operate as if these rules are mere suggestions. Despite clear legal frameworks and repeated administrative orders, the culture of "voluntary" contributions and ticket selling remains a constant burden on families.
With the release of DepEd Memorandum No. 041, s. 2024, the Department of Education is not just issuing a routine update—it is issuing a final warning. This reiteration serves as a stern reminder to all Undersecretaries, Regional Directors, and especially School Heads that the era of looking the other way regarding unauthorized fees must come to an end.
A Policy Ignored is a Policy Violated
The department has been clear since DepEd Order (DO) No. 19, s. 2008: no fees should be collected from learners during enrollment or at any time during the school year. Yet, we continue to hear reports of "miscellaneous" fees or "donations" required for school projects.
Personnel must understand that Republic Act No. 4206, as amended by RA 5546, is a federal law, not an internal handbook. When a school head or teacher solicits funds for a "project" outside of the very narrow legal exceptions, they aren't just being "resourceful"—they are breaking the law.
The Myth of the "Voluntary" Contribution
One of the most common excuses used by school administrations to bypass the "No Collection Policy" is the label of "voluntary." Memorandum No. 041, s. 2024, explicitly dismantles this loophole.
The law states that the collection of contributions "in any form whatsoever... whether voluntary or otherwise" is prohibited. If a teacher or administrator asks for money, the power dynamic alone makes it feel mandatory for the student. DepEd personnel are reminded that "voluntary" is not a shield against administrative or criminal liability.
Professionalism and the "No Collection" Standard
The memorandum specifically points to DO No. 49, s. 2022, which focuses on the Promotion of Professionalism. This isn't just about money; it's about the integrity of the service.
When DepEd personnel engage in unwarranted solicitations, it erodes public trust. The department is reminding all staff that their primary duty is the delivery of basic education services, and that service is already paid for by the taxpayers. Turning students into "fundraising agents" for school tickets or projects is a direct violation of professional ethics.
The Real Consequences: Fines and Imprisonment
This is the part that many personnel seem to forget: non-compliance carries a heavy price. This isn't just an "unsatisfactory" mark on a performance review. According to Section 2 of RA 4206, violators can be penalized with:
A Fine: Set by the discretion of the court.
Imprisonment: For not more than one month.
Both: Depending on the severity of the violation.
By reiterating these penalties in the 2024 memorandum, the Department of Education is making it clear that they will no longer tolerate the systemic "hidden fees" that have plagued schools for years.
What is Actually Allowed? (The Very Short List)
To avoid any confusion or "accidental" violations, personnel must stick strictly to the exceptions provided under the law. You can only collect for:
The Red Cross (Membership fees)
Girl Scouts of the Philippines (Membership fees)
Boy Scouts of the Philippines (Membership fees)
Barrio High School Support (Contributions from parents/donors)
If the collection is for a graduation fee, a Christmas party, a classroom repainting, or a "special project" not listed above, it is prohibited.
A Call to Action for School Leaders
Regional Directors and Schools Division Superintendents are expected to enforce this memorandum with zero tolerance. It is time to stop the "business as usual" approach where schools rely on the pockets of students to fund basic operations.
The "No Collection Policy" exists to ensure that poverty is never a barrier to education. Every time a school personnel ignores this policy, they are effectively locking the school gates for the most vulnerable members of our community. Let Memorandum No. 041, s. 2024 be the final reminder needed to bring our schools into full legal compliance.