THE Department of Education has clarified that the selling of booklets for Catch-Up Fridays is not authorized, emphasizing that the said program and other school activities must not involve out-of-pocket costs.

“The Department reiterates that such acts are strictly prohibited. Catch-Up Fridays and other school activities must not involve out-of-pocket costs. Parents and learners are reminded not to accommodate and patronize such unauthorized transactions,” DepEd said in a statement.

DepEd made the statement after it received several complaints about school personnel selling and requiring learners to buy booklets.

DepEd said it had already begun the investigation on the matter.

“Any individual found guilty of such scheme shall face appropriate administrative sanctions.”

The Department also encouraged the public to report similar incidents to the Office of the Secretary at [email protected].