WITH less than three weeks before the opening of classes, the Department of Education asked private sectors to donate school supplies as prices of learning materials have gone up.

DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said the private sector can donate notebooks and pens to schools through the agency’s Brigada Eskwela program.

“We are hoping with the Brigada Eskwela, matulungan tayo ng private sector organizations or donors or volunteers para makapagbigay ng kits, lalong-lalo na sa learners natin na wala talagang perang pambili ng school supplies,” Poa said.

The Department of Trade and Industry earlier said that the increase in global fuel prices can make an impact on students and their parents.

Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said that school uniforms will not be required for the upcoming school year to avoid additional expenses for families of students.

Classes in public schools will start on August 22.