DepEd: Modules expenses may be refunded

MANILA, Philippines — Public school teachers may seek reimbursement for the expenses they have incurred in reproducing learning modules.

“We understand that some teachers were not able to wait for the downloaded funds. According to the office of the undersecretary for finance, we can reimburse their expenses if they have receipts,” Education Undersecretary for curriculum Diosdado San Antonio said in an interview with ”The Chiefs” on One News / TV5 on Tuesday.

Earlier reports said teachers had to shell out money or seek donations to cover the printing and reproduction of learning modules.

Education officials said teachers are not required to raise money for the printing of modules since there is a P9-billion allocation for such purpose.

“If done in the spirit of Brigada Eskwela, it should be through voluntary contribution and never compulsory. We have Brigada Eskwela and there are protocols, guidelines and procedures,” Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla had earlier said.

As of Monday, DepEd said its regional offices had printed over 667 million learning modules. Almost 80 percent have been distributed.