Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 3060)
The Act establishes a Department of Public Instruction in the Philippine Islands to organize and maintain public education, including free primary instruction, normal and trade schools, and an agricultural school.
The central office is established in the city of Manila.
The chief officer is called the General Superintendent of Public Instruction, appointed by the United States Philippine Commission.
The General Superintendent must establish schools in every pueblo where practicable, appoint superintendents and teachers, fix salaries within legal limits, decide school curricula, divide the archipelago into school divisions, supervise school operations, and make reports to the Military Governor and Commission.
Yes, all primary instruction in the schools established or maintained under this Act shall be free.
The board consists of the General Superintendent and four members appointed by the Commission. It advises on educational needs, conducts investigations, recommends law amendments, and meets regularly.
Local school boards consisting of 4 or 6 members plus the municipal president are established. Half are elected by the municipal council and half appointed by the division superintendent, serving two-year terms.
Yes, no teacher may teach or criticize any religion in public schools. Religious instruction is only permitted for half an hour thrice weekly by authorized religious teachers to pupils whose parents consent in writing.
A Normal School and a Trade School are established in Manila, and an Agricultural School is established in the Island of Negros.
Teachers who intentionally violate the prohibition on religious teachings in public schools shall, after due hearing, be dismissed from public service.