Teachers told not to use own funds

THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday reiterated that public school teachers are not required and are prohibited from using personal funds for school readiness activities.

This is after lawmakers and teacher groups raised continuing reports that some educators still shoulder classroom repair costs.

During the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture hearing, DepEd Undersecretary Carmela C. Oracion cited Department Memorandum No. 27, series of 2026, which prohibits school personnel from soliciting or collecting any form of contribution, including Brigada Eskwela-related fees.

DepEd said its guidelines emphasize volunteerism and allow the use of Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses and local school board funds for minor repairs and classroom preparation, such as repairing and fixing facilities.

However, Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel I. Diokno questioned why reports of out-of-pocket spending by teachers persist despite existing policies.

Mr. Diokno cited House Resolution No. 1102, which seeks an inquiry into the adequacy of funding for Brigada Eskwela and other school readiness programs.

Ruby Ana Bernardo, national chairperson of Alliance of Concerned Teachers, told the committee that some educators still spend up to P5,000 of their own money when voluntary contributions are insufficient to address classroom needs.

The committee urged DepEd to tighten enforcement of its rules and ensure that school maintenance and preparation are fully covered by government funds rather than personal contributions from teachers. — Pexcel John Bacon