DepEd urged schools: Don’t require expensive school supplies

The Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its call to all public schools to avoid requiring expensive school supplies for students to purchase as classes begin this year. 

The DepEd made the appeal together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the special monitoring activity for school supplies in bookstores around Recto Ave., Manila.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali urged the administrators of public schools to refrain from prescribing any branded or expensive school supplies which contribute to budgetary constraints of parents specially those with children studying in public schools.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ang ating mga pampublikong paaralan ay hindi mag-oobliga ng mga mamahaling school supplies. No specific type or brand of school supplies will be required.” 

“Maski po yung mga lumang kwaderno na spiral na may sobrang pahina na hindi nagamit noong nakaraang taon ay pwedeng pagsama-samahin at tahiin,” Umali added.

Also, Umali urges the public to check the Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies released by the DTI to properly guide consumers in their purchase of school supplies.

“Ito po ay inilalagay natin sa website at social media accounts ng DepEd na may link diretso sa website ng DTI kung saan makikita ang karagdagang impormasyon ukol dito.”

The special monitoring activity for school supplies was spearheaded by the DTI, together with representatives from DepEd, Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA), Local Government Unit-Manila and Senator Bam Aquino.

The monitoring team reported stable and reasonable prices on school supplies.