The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched an investigation into several complaints that some school personnel were reportedly charging fees for booklets and workbooks intended for ‘Catch-Up Fridays’ and other related activities.
In a March 1 statement, Deped said “such acts are strictly prohibited,” adding that learning materials for ‘Catch-Up Fridays’ and other activities are already provided by the government.
“Parents and learners are reminded not to accommodate and patronize such unauthorized transactions,” it stressed.
‘Catch-Up’ Fridays is a special program launched by DepEd designed to “strengthen the foundational, social, and other relevant skills” of students that are necessary to realize the intent of the basic education curriculum. Among its goals is to improve the reading habits of school-aged children.
DepEd said it is already investigating the issue of unauthorized selling of learning materials. “Any individual found guilty of such [a] scheme shall face appropriate administrative sanctions,” according to the agency.
“The public is encouraged to report similar incidents directly to the Office of the Secretary at [email protected],” DepEd added.