A congressional inquiry has been sought into reports that public school teachers continue to spend their own money for Brigada Eskwela and other school readiness activities.
House Resolution No. 1102 calls for an investigation into whether existing government funds are enough to prepare public schools for the opening of classes without forcing teachers to shoulder expenses that should be covered by the State.
The proposed inquiry will be conducted by the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture and other appropriate committees.
The resolution cited reports of teachers using personal funds for classroom repairs, facility maintenance, sanitation improvements, and other preparations ahead of the school opening.
“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,” the resolution stated.
The measure, filed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, said the 1987 Constitution requires the State to adequately support education, which includes protecting teachers from financial burdens that may affect their welfare and professional responsibilities.
While many teachers voluntarily contribute resources out of commitment to their students, the resolution stressed that educators should never be expected or required to pay for school readiness needs from their own pockets.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara has also said teachers should not be made to personally shoulder the cost of preparing classrooms and school facilities.
The proposed investigation seeks to determine the extent and frequency of teachers’ out-of-pocket spending for Brigada Eskwela and related activities.
It will also assess the adequacy and utilization of maintenance and other operating funds, review the implementation of policies against the use of teachers’ personal money for school needs, and identify possible administrative, budgetary, or structural gaps that force educators to cover such expenses.
“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,” the resolution read.
The inquiry may lead to legislative measures providing stronger institutional support for teachers, including possible additional funding, reimbursement mechanisms, accountability measures, and safeguards against shifting school operational expenses to educators.
The resolution was filed by Diokno, together with Akbayan Reps. Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.