There has been a declining public perception of corruption in DepEd owing to the safeguards and corruption prevention measures initiated during the time of former Secretary Jesli Lapus and further strengthened by current DepEd Secretary Arm in Luistro.
According to Luistro, DepEd aims to optimize use of the agency’s human and financial resources and move towards zero-corruption. "Our goal is for DepEd to finally be stricken off the list of offices which are considered corrupt,” said Luistro.
Luistro has strongly emphasized the "no collection” policy in public schools and has consistently pushed for the holding of simple and austere school-related activities. He also ordered the streamlining of operations and training programs and stopped purchases of vehicles and office equipment considered not critical in its operation even in his own office.
Recently, DepEd initiated the signing of an integrity pact with its suppliers, business partners and civil society groups as a concrete step to address corruption both in government and private sector and set up mechanisms to operate business ethically and with integrity. The Secretary has also enjoined all division superintendents to hold the same kind of dialogue and "integrity pact” with local suppliers and partners.
The Department also continues to be receptive to the participation of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations in the procurement and bidding process to ensure transparency and maximum efficiency in the use of resources.
Source: deped.gov.ph - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
