Recognizing that graft and corruption are “major obstacles” to the realization of the right of all Filipinos and children to access quality basic education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has created Anti-Corruption Committees (ACC).

Created in the Central (CO), Regional (RO), and Schools Division Offices (SDOs) nationwide, the establishment of ACCs is part of DepEd’s efforts to strengthen its campaign against graft and corruption.

“The ACC is the Department’s response to curb this problem and develop a culture of zero-tolerance against graft and corruption in the department,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

In DepEd Order No. 7, s. 2022, the department has stepped up its campaign against graft and corruption through expanding the DepEd CO ACC and its counterparts in the RO and SDO level and providing the composition and respective functions for each governance level.

The issuance provides for the mobilization of civil society organizations and other members of the private sector as stakeholder representatives to the committee.

“The ACC shall perform a two-fold function – prevent graft and corruption in the Department through policies, programs, and advocacy campaigns, and ensure that erring officials and employees are held accountable,” Briones said.

In support of the “Project Kasangga: Aksiyon Laban sa Korapsiyon” project of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), DepEd adopted the principle that “a public office is a public trust” which promotes public accountability and curbing corruption.

Before this, DepEd has also issued Office Order No. OO-OSEC-2021-029 for the creation of an ACC in the Central Office, following an agreement with PACC.

Moreover, the committee at DepEd CO shall make a streamlined complaint action center and work with other DepEd offices to investigate these matters.

“At the regional level, the committee will refer complaints of graft and corruption to proper authorities in the regional and schools division offices,” DepEd said.

Meanwhile, the division committee will help the regional office and central office in formulating anti-corruption policies and conducting public information campaigns to generate support.

“With DepEd being the largest bureaucracy of the government, our employees should always set a good example to the public, especially to our young learners that are entrusted to us,” Briones said.

“We must show them the value of serving with the utmost responsibility, integrity, and upholding public interest over our own,” she added.