THE DEPARTMENT of Education has strengthened its campaign against graft and corruption by creating anti-corruption committees in the central office, regional offices, and schools division offices.

“We at DepEd recognize that graft and corruption are major obstacles to the realization of the right of all Filipinos and children to access quality basic education. The ACC is the Department’s response to curb this problem and develop a culture of zero-tolerance against graft and corruption in the Department,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

The department expanded the DepEd central office’s anti-corruption committees and its counterparts in the regional and SDO level and provided the composition and respective functions for each governance level.

The move provides for the mobilization of civil society organizations and other members of the private sector as stakeholder representatives to the committee.

“The ACC shall perform a two-fold function – prevent graft and corruption in the Department through policies, programs, and advocacy campaigns, and ensure that erring officials and employees are held accountable,” Briones said.

In support of Project Kasangga: Aksiyon Laban sa Korapsiyon project of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, DepEd adopted the principle that “a public office is a public trust,” promoting public accountability and curbing corruption.

The committee at the DepEd central office shall make a streamlined complaint action center and work with other DepEd offices to investigate allegations of corruption.

At the regional level, the committee will refer complaints of graft and corruption to proper authorities in the regional and schools division offices.

On the other hand, the division committee will help the regional office and central office formulate anti-corruption policies and conduct public information campaigns to generate support.

“With DepEd being the largest bureaucracy of the government, our employees should always set a good example to the public, especially to our young learners that are entrusted to us. We must show them the value of serving with the utmost responsibility, integrity, and upholding public interest over our own,” Briones said.