In 1985, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports (MECS) issued Order No. 73, which discouraged and strictly limited fundraising activities for school purposes. The order was intended to protect students, parents, and teachers from the undue financial pressures that can arise from constant fundraising efforts. At the time, the Philippines was grappling with limited resources, and while many schools were in dire need of improvements, the government chose to discourage schools from leaning heavily on their communities to raise money.
MECS Order No. 73 emphasized that schools should focus on their core mission: education. Extracurricular activities and fundraising efforts were seen as distractions that could interfere with the educational process. The sale of raffle tickets, solicitations, and large social gatherings for fundraising were particularly discouraged, as they placed an unnecessary burden on families who might already be struggling financially.
Fast forward to today, the situation has changed in many ways. The Philippine government now allocates significant funds to improve school infrastructure, provide teaching materials, and maintain public educational institutions. However, despite the increase in government resources, fundraising activities seem to have multiplied rather than diminished. It is now common to see schools holding various fundraising events involving students, teachers, and even parents. These events often require monetary contributions from families, some of whom may still struggle with financial challenges.
Schools Today: A Shift in Priorities?
While it is true that some school projects may require additional funding beyond what the government provides, one can't help but wonder whether the increase in fundraising activities is truly necessary. In many cases, these activities can shift the focus away from the primary purpose of education. More importantly, constant fundraising can create inequality, where schools in wealthier areas may raise more funds, leading to better facilities and resources, while schools in less affluent communities struggle to keep up.
Back in 1985, the government had fewer resources, but the principle of discouraging fundraisers was clear—education should not be a financial burden on students and their families. So why, in today’s era of greater resources, have fundraising activities become so normalized in schools?
Why It's Time to Revisit MECS Order No. 73
If the government has enough funds to maintain and improve schools, perhaps it is time to reevaluate the necessity of these fundraising activities. Should schools continue to ask for monetary contributions from students and their families when the government is already allocating funds for education? Are these fundraising efforts creating a divide between affluent and less fortunate students?
It might be time to revisit the principles behind MECS Order No. 73. While it was originally issued to limit fundraising due to a lack of government funds, the order also raised valid concerns about the impact of fundraising on the school community. Schools should be places where education is prioritized above all else—not financial contributions.
In this context, perhaps schools should be more mindful of their fundraising activities. Rather than placing the burden on students and families, schools should seek alternative solutions to fund their projects or rely more on government support, ensuring that education remains accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Conclusion: The government and educational institutions must collaborate to create policies that minimize the financial burdens on families while ensuring that schools have the resources they need. Revisiting and potentially reinstating the principles of MECS Order No. 73 might be a crucial step in achieving this balance.