BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

As part of ongoing efforts to address anomalies in the implementation of its financial assistance initiative, the Department of Education (DepEd) has demanded refunds from 54 private schools flagged for irregularities in Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP) claims for School Years (SY) 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

Of the 54 schools terminated from the SHS-VP, 38 have fully refunded the government, while two have made partial refunds. However, 14 schools have yet to return the funds, and final demand letters will be issued to ensure compliance.

To date, approximately Php 65 million has been recovered. DepEd noted that further investigation is needed to determine whether these financial irregularities constitute fraud.

For SY 2023-2024, 12 schools are currently under investigation by DepEd’s Investigation Division. Additionally, three (3) schools flagged by the Government Assistance and Subsidies Service (GASS) have also been forwarded to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for parallel investigation.

To prevent a recurrence of such irregularities, DepEd, in coordination with the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), has implemented actions to further enhance oversight and accountability starting School Year (SY) 2024-2025. Among these actions are cross-referencing and verification of information and the conduct of 100% system audit as well as random field visits to participating private schools. DepEd’s regional and schools division offices have been mobilized to carry out inspections and submit detailed reports to the Central Office. Tightening of the validation processes have likewise been implemented to ensure that only eligible learners benefit from the program.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara noted that these interventions prevented the release of inconsistent or questionable claims moving forward.

“We are taking decisive steps to strengthen our validation processes, hold erring schools accountable, and restore public trust in the SHS Voucher Program,” Sec. Angara said.

Further measures are set to be implemented in the coming months, including PEAC’s validation for the second semester, scheduled to roll out next month, and the establishment of a billing schedule in SY 2025-2026 to streamline the disbursement process.

Beyond financial oversight, other strands within DepEd are also stepping up reforms. The Private Education Office (PEO) is working on Senior High School recognition to strengthen regulatory compliance. The Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) is likewise enhancing digital safeguards, including features on audit trail, automated email notifications for system changes, and a full school history of learners.

The Department assured stakeholders that it will continue strengthening its oversight mechanisms to uphold integrity and fairness in private school participation in the government’s education subsidy programs.

*All Photos from Deped