Question & AnswerQ&A (DEPED ORDER NO. 14, S. 2002, APRIL 17, 2002)
The primary purpose of DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2002 is to clarify the Department of Education's policies concerning loss of textbooks by students in public elementary and secondary schools and to grant amnesty covering past losses of textbooks.
The amnesty covers losses of textbooks in the School Year (SY) 2001-2002 and previous school years only. It applies retroactively and does not cover prospective (future) losses.
Those responsible may be students or teachers. However, the order prohibits the imposition of fines or salary deductions on teachers for losses caused by their students.
No, the order explicitly prohibits fines or salary deductions on teachers for the loss of textbooks by students in SY 2001-2002 and previous years due to the amnesty granted.
Those responsible must submit a letter explaining the circumstances of the loss. Students must have this letter signed by a parent or guardian and submit it to the Teacher-Adviser, who will provide a copy to the School Property Custodian. Teachers submit their letter directly to the School Property Custodian.
The School Property Custodian receives the letters of explanation from students or teachers and keeps the copies, which serve as the Relief from Accountability Certification under the amnesty.
Failure to comply may lead to the withdrawal of the amnesty for the specific loss of textbooks involved.
No, the amnesty does not cover prospective losses occurring after SY 2001-2002.
The policy prohibits the imposition of fines or the deduction of salaries from teachers for loss of textbooks by their students covered under the amnesty period.
Documentation is necessary for accounting the current supply of textbooks and to safeguard against future losses.