As classes in public schools in the country resume soon, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded parents that preparing for school for their children need not be extravagant.

DepEd said parents should prepare wisely and simply.

For example, students don’t necessarily have to buy new notebooks if they still have notebooks from the previous school year that they can use.

“May mga modules naman po tayong magagamit ng ating mga bata. Kaya po kung anong available nilang materials 'yun lang ang puwede nilang gamitin,” said Dr. Felizardo Bolaños, the Schools Division Supt. of Lipa City in Batangas.

This also goes to other school necessities like bags and even shoes.

Asuncion Umali of Batangas is heeding this piece of advice.

She has two grandchildren who are returning to school - one in Grade 2 and another in Grade 6.

She said she has started buying some school items but she makes sure to buy only those really required by the school.

Her grandchildren will still wear the same uniform from the previous school year.

She said a bulk of their household budget goes to living expenses for food, electricity, and water.

“Dahil ho lahat ng bilihin ngayon ay mahal. Unang una na 'yung bigas. Kuryente. Tubig. 'yung mga pang-araw araw na pagkain talagang kailangang magtipid,” she said.

NO COLLECTION POLICY

Along with this, DepEd reminded schools of the “no collection policy,” which covers any form of solicitation from students and parents.

“In any form. Lahat po ng ano, dapat ay walang kokolektahin sa mga bata, kahit singko,” Bolaños said.

Public schools across the Philippines will take part in the traditional ‘Oplan Balik-Eskuwela’ from July 22 to 26, 2024.