Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2706)
The Secretary of Public Instruction is tasked to maintain a general standard of efficiency in all private schools and colleges in the Philippines, inspect and watch these institutions to ensure adequate instruction is given, and make necessary regulations to carry out the purposes of the Act.
A private school or college is defined as any private institution for teaching managed by private individuals or corporations, not subject to the Bureau of Education, offering primary, intermediate, secondary, or superior courses including technical, professional, or special schools granting diplomas or degrees.
The petition must include the name and location of the school, names and addresses of officers, directors, governing board and faculties, dates of organization and incorporation, financial condition, description of school buildings, list of teachers and their qualifications, curriculum details, laboratory equipment, and any other information required by the Secretary.
The Secretary can revoke the authority if the school is improperly managed, does not follow its curriculum, has incompetent teaching staff, or if fraud is committed in the application. The Secretary also inspects schools periodically to ensure standards are maintained.
The Secretary must prepare and publish minimum standards in pamphlet form for primary, intermediate, high schools, and colleges granting academic degrees, as well as for technical and professional schools such as law, medical, dental, pharmaceutical, engineering, and agricultural schools.
No, Government recognition will not be granted to any school or college failing to maintain approved courses of study, unless the institution otherwise meets all other requisites and regulations prescribed.
The managing corporation must furnish a bond in a penal sum fixed by the Secretary, ensuring adequate and efficient administration and observance of all regulations and obligations required by the Secretary.
Recognition can be revoked if the school fails to maintain required standards, improperly grants diplomas or degrees to students who have not completed necessary work, or if it is proven unfit by the Secretary.
Graduates from recognized courses in private schools are entitled to the same benefits and privileges as graduates from Government schools and may enter the next higher course in Government schools if space is available.
The Commissioner inspects schools applying for recognition, proposes courses of study standards, reports to the Secretary on school conditions, recommends recognition or revocation, publishes lists of approved schools, and regulates use of Government recognition in advertising.