Public education is free of charge, says Malacanang

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MANILA — Malacanang said that public education remains free and no charges will be imposed to prevent anyone from enrolling and returning to school.

“Iginiit ni Kalihim ng Edukasyon Brother Armin Luistro ang istriktong pagbabawal ng pagsingil ng kahit ano mang halaga o kontribusyon,” said Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in an press briefing aired on Sunday over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan

“Ito ay para tiyakin na walang magiging balakid sa pagtanggap at pagpasok ng lahat ng Pilipinong kabataang nasa ganap na edad para mag-aral,” Coloma continued.

The 2014-2015 class will begin on June 2, with an estimated 26 billion students from public and private schools going back to their respective schools.

The Communication Secretary said President Benigno S. Aqunio III is committed in upholding the Constitutional mandate that education must be one of the priorities in the national budget.

For the 2014 national budget, the Department of Education has a total appropriation of P335.4 billion, which is one of the highest allocation for the year.

“Nang pumasok ang administrasyong Aquino noong taong 2010, ang kabuuang budget ng DepEd ay 195.9-bilyong piso. Samakatuwid, mula noon hanggang ngayon ay tumaas ang budget nang mahigit sa 71 porsyento,” explained Coloma.

He also added that that Philippine National Police has mobilized policemen to ensure the safety of the students when they return to school on Monday.