SENATOR Raffy Tulfo filed a bill that seeks to institute a policy that prohibits the mandatory collection of any fees or contributions from elementary and high school students in public schools.

Under Senate Bill 2420, no fees shall be collected from school children in pre-school up to Grade 4 during the enrollment period or at any time during the school year.

For those beyond Grade 4, no collection of any type should be undertaken during the enrollment period and the first month of classes.

On the second month, contributions for some memberships may be collected, but only on a voluntary basis and should not be demanded, including boy/girl scouts and red cross memberships, among others.

Tulfo said students in public schools are mostly from poor families and burdening them with required extra fees only discourages them from pursuing their studies.

“By implementing a no collection policy in public schools, this bill seeks to eliminate the barriers that hinder the enrollment and retention of students. Families with limited financial means will no longer face out-of-pocket costs associated with sending their children to school, thus promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in education,” the senator said.

Tulfo’s proposed legislation is in line with the country’s commitment to achieving the Education For All Plan 2015 and the Millennium Development Goals, particularly concerning primary school participation.