South Cotabato, Philippines – South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has intensified the implementation of free education in the province’s elementary and high schools. He reminded all school heads, principals, and teachers with Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with the Provincial Government to strictly adhere to the terms of these agreements.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that schools with existing MOAs must comply fully. Those who violate the agreements risk losing their Local Government Unit (LGU) support, including the removal of aides provided by the LGU. The Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) will transfer principals of non-compliant schools to ensure proper enforcement of the free education program.
“May yara sang MOA between Provincial Government and ang School Pag naga outside sila sa Agreement matatangal sila ng Aide sa LGU ang gagawin ng School Division ililipat ang Principal kasi ibibigay na natin ang lahat, the only LGU nga gin double ang yong Special educational Fund just to make sure na free Education sa Elementary kag High school mabigat para sa Provincial Government most especially ang Office of the Governor dahil binawasan ko ang pondo ko that is hundred Million every year to make sure na ma execute at ma implement yong free Education sa Elementary kag High School “ Gov. Tamayo Stated That to support this initiative, South Cotabato is the only LGU that has doubled its Special Education Fund. Governor Tamayo explained that his decision is a burden on the provincial government, especially on the Office of the Governor, which has had to cut its budget by hundreds of millions each year to sustain free education for elementary and high school students.
The provincial government now covers expenses previously paid by Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs). Consequently, charging students for tuition or other fees is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught collecting fees will be transferred outside South Cotabato. The governor has also urged the regional director to monitor schools to ensure compliance.
Those who do not adhere to the free education policy will face administrative actions. Governor Tamayo assured the public that, despite nearing the end of his term, he is committed to finding sustainable ways to maintain and improve free education in South Cotabato, ensuring all students have access without a financial burden.
