A simmering debate has erupted among parents in Taguig City and Pateros regarding an alleged mandatory fee for school canteen snacks, specifically a "tray" of items sold by teachers.


The issue gained traction after a parent raised concerns about their child, who has a health condition, being reportedly pressured to purchase these snacks.


The complaint has unearthed a range of opinions among the parent community, highlighting the complexities of school canteen operations and their impact on students and teachers alike.


Conflicting Parent Perspectives

Some parents have sided with the concerned individual, pointing out that the food typically sold in school canteens, such as biscuits and sugary treats, is often unhealthy. They argue that compelling children to buy these items contradicts efforts to promote nutritious eating habits, especially for students with specific health conditions.

Conversely, other parents expressed understanding for the teachers' predicament. They claim that teachers are sometimes pressured to sell these canteen items, with unsold products reportedly being deducted from their salaries. This suggests a potential systemic issue that places an undue burden on teaching staff.

Adding another layer to the discussion, some parents noted that the issue of mandatory canteen purchases, particularly from the "tray," had been deliberated in previous Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings. It was reportedly understood that profits generated from these sales were intended to help cover classroom expenses, such as maintenance and even the salaries of utility personnel.

The amount charged for these alleged mandatory purchases varies significantly across classrooms and schools, ranging from P10 to P20 per child. This discrepancy further complicates the situation for parents, some of whom already struggle to sustain their children's daily packed lunches (baon), which can cost anywhere from P30 to P50. Many parents admit to facing financial difficulties, making even small, unexpected school-related expenses a significant challenge.



DepEd TAPAT Responds, Reaffirms Policies

Initially, public schools involved did not release official statements regarding the controversy. However, as the discussion intensified, the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Taguig City and Pateros (DepEd SDO-TAPAT) issued a response to address the growing concerns.

SDO TAPAT assured the public that the canteen operations across its 62 schools adhere strictly to existing DepEd policies, specifically:

  • DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2007: The "Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Operation and Management of School Canteens in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools."

  • DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017: The "Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools and in DepEd Offices."

The division reiterated the core purposes of school canteen operations as outlined in these orders:

  • The school canteen shall help eliminate malnutrition among pupils/students.

  • The school canteen shall serve as a venue for the development of desirable eating habits of pupils/students.


Service should be the main consideration for operating a school canteen. Profit shall only be secondary since the clientele are pupils/students who are dependent only on their meager allowance from their parents.


Furthermore, DepEd SDO-TAPAT explicitly stated, "we also encourage parents to prepare food for their children based on their preference." This statement strongly suggests that forcing students to purchase specific canteen items goes against the department's encouragement of parents providing packed meals.

The ongoing dialogue highlights the need for clear communication and strict adherence to DepEd guidelines to ensure that school canteens serve their intended purpose of providing healthy, affordable, and optional food choices, without creating additional burdens for families or school personnel.


ALSO IN TAGUIG


IMPORTANT NOTE: ang Taguigeño blog ay hindi konektado sa anumang account ng Taguig City government. Ito ay nabuo upang maghatid ng napapanahong balita at impormasyon para sa lahat ng Taguigeño.

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