Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno wants to investigate the adequacy of government funding for Brigada Eskwela and other school readiness activities amid reports that public school teachers continue to spend their own money to prepare classrooms for the opening of classes.
In House Resolution No. 1102, Diokno called on the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture and other appropriate committees to investigate, in aid of legislation, the reported out-of-pocket expenses incurred by teachers for classroom repairs, facility maintenance, sanitation improvements, and other school preparation activities.
According to Diokno, the 1987 Constitution mandates the State to adequately support education—which includes protecting teachers are from financial burdens that undermine their welfare and professional responsibilities.
“Despite existing DepEd memoranda, reports have documented instances of school teachers spending personal funds for classroom repairs, facility maintenance, sanitation improvements, and other Brigada Eskwela activities in preparation for the opening of classes,” Diokno said.
While acknowledging that many teachers voluntarily contribute resources because of their commitment to their students, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that teachers should never be expected or required to spend from their own pockets for school readiness activities.
“There is a need, therefore, for a congressional inquiry to determine whether existing appropriations, funding mechanisms, and accountability systems are sufficient to ensure that public schools are adequately prepared for the opening of classes without requiring teachers to shoulder costs that properly belong to the State,” Diokno said.
The proposed inquiry seeks to determine the extent and frequency of teachers’ personal spending for Brigada Eskwela and related school readiness activities, assess the adequacy and utilization of existing maintenance and operating funds, and review the implementation of policies prohibiting the use of teachers’ personal funds for school operational requirements.
It will also examine possible administrative, budgetary, and structural deficiencies that compel teachers to finance school maintenance and classroom improvements using their own resources.
Diokno said the investigation could lead to legislative measures that would provide stronger institutional support for teachers, including possible additional appropriations, reimbursement mechanisms, accountability measures, and other safeguards to ensure that educators are no longer burdened with financing school operations and preparations.
The inquiry will likewise explore institutional support systems that can help ensure schools are adequately prepared for the opening of classes without relying on teachers’ personal resources.
Diokno filed the resolution together with Akbayan Party-list Reps. Percival “Perci” Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.
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