Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9155)
The short title of Republic Act No. 9155 is the 'Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001.'
The policy is to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality basic education, making it accessible by providing free and compulsory education for elementary level and free education at the high school level, including alternative learning systems for out-of-school youth and adult learners.
Alternative Learning System is a parallel learning system providing a viable alternative to the existing formal education and includes non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
The Secretary of the Department of Education holds overall authority and supervision over the operations of the Department.
The regional director is responsible for defining regional educational policies, developing regional plans and standards, monitoring learning outcomes, managing resources, hiring and evaluating personnel, approving schools, and coordinating with local government units among other functions.
The school head acts as both instructional leader and administrative manager, accountable for setting school goals, implementing curriculum, managing resources, staff development, establishing community networks, and accepting donations for improving the school.
BPESS was abolished and all its functions related to sports competition were transferred to the Philippine Sports Commission, while school sports and physical fitness remain part of the basic education curriculum.
Promotions are based on educational qualifications, merit, and performance rather than the number of teachers or learners, and require a promotions board to formulate and implement the promotion system.
The Secretary of Education and Secretary of Budget and Management are to promulgate guidelines for allocation, distribution, and utilization of national government resources to field offices within 90 days, ensuring adequate and timely allocation for school personnel, facilities, and instructional materials.
The Act recognizes the specific roles and accountability at every level in the education bureaucracy, mandates democratic consultation in decision-making, operationalizes accountability and transparency, and strengthens communication channels among national, regional, division, and school levels.