QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8525)
Republic Act No. 8525 is titled the “Adopt-a-School Act of 1998,” cited as RA 8525.
To provide quality and relevant education to Filipino youth and to encourage private initiative to support public education, particularly by programs that upgrade and modernize public schools, especially those in poverty-stricken provinces.
It allows private entities to assist a public school (elementary, secondary, or tertiary) through an adoption arrangement focused on areas such as staff development, construction, facility upgrading, books and instructional materials, and modernization of instructional technologies.
Preferably those located in any of the twenty (20) poorest provinces identified by the Presidential Council for Countryside Development (PCCD) or other government agencies tasked with identifying the poorest provinces, though the program is not strictly limited to them.
A MOA specifying the adoption details must be entered into between the adopting entity and the head of the school, subject to review and approval of the Superintendent of Schools of the province or district concerned.
At least two (2) years, with the possibility of extension; it may be shortened only if the adopting entity is dissolved before the end of the period unless otherwise earlier terminated in accordance with the succeeding section.
To review the adoption by the local school board of the province or city where the school is located, taking into account standards and guidelines formulated by the Coordinating Council.
The review results must be taken into consideration in the assessment of the application for tax credits by the adopting entity.
Yes. After an appropriate review, the school board may recommend to the Coordinating Council the termination of the adoption.
No. The adopting entity may appeal the assessment to the Coordinating Council, but the Council’s decision is final and unappealable.
Expenses incurred for the Adopt-a-School Program are allowed an additional deduction from gross income equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of such expenses.
Valuation of assistance other than money is based on acquisition cost of the property, considering depreciated value if the property has already been used.
Its name may be emblazoned beneath the name of the school with words indicating that the school is under the Adopt-a-School Program, and the adopting entity shall be represented in the local school board of the municipality where the adopted elementary or high school is located.
It is composed of the Secretary of DECS (chairperson), Chairman of CHED and Director-General of TESDA (co-chairpersons), the chairperson of the PCCD, and a representative from a national federation of chambers of commerce and industry appointed by the President; it coordinates and monitors implementation of the Act.
It must meet once every three (3) months, and chairpersons and members do not receive compensation; they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses related to Council activities.
The DECS, CHED, and TESDA, in consultation with the Department of Finance.