Perspective! EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Because of Republic Act No. 11984, otherwise known as the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," disadvantaged students can now take scheduled periodic and final examinations despite unpaid tuition and other school fees.
This legislative measure overrules the long-time practice of the “no permit, no exam” policy which prohibits disadvantaged students from taking major examinations due to unsettled financial obligations to the educational institution they are in.
The law states: "The State shall take into account the welfare of both the students and educational institutions by exercising just and reasonable supervision of the latter and ensuring that educational opportunities are made available to students regardless of their economic status.”
However, the law still honors the power of educational institutions to exercise legal and administrative remedies for the collection of unpaid school fees such as the submission of promissory notes, to ensure their right to fair compensation in exchange for the provision of equitable opportunities for students.
This is provided that they will allow the disadvantaged students to participate in the examinations in the absence of a permit.
On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its municipal, provincial, or regional office, will be on top of the issuance of necessary certificates validating the disadvantaged status of students who were affected by calamities, emergencies, and other justifiable reasons causing the delay in settling school fees.
Schools can also voluntarily allow disadvantaged students with outstanding fees to take examinations without requiring the said certificate and other remedial measures.
The "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act" covers all public and private basic education schools including K to 12, higher education institutions, as well as technical-vocational institutions (TVIs).
In the case of TVIs, however, only courses exceeding one (1) year will be covered by this law. For K to 12 students, on the other hand, the law is effective for the entire school year.
Schools found guilty of violating this law are subject to administrative sanctions that may be imposed by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Ultimately, the signing of this law is a proactive step towards making education more accessible, especially at the grassroots level. This serves as a beacon of hope for students who are fighting for a chance to fulfill the vision of gaining high quality education.
-oOoThe a Teacher II at San Antonio Elementary School
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