BASISTA – The ‘no pay, no exam’ policy in public schools was never sanctioned by the Department of Education.

This was emphasized by Dr. Alma Ruby Torio, division schools superintendent of Pangasinan 1, she ordered relieved last Monday the principal of the Dumpay Barangay High School who implemented this policy to students.

Torio sent to Basista her legal coordinator, Edwin Nicolas, who enumerated all the policies promulgated by DepEd and the ‘no pay, no exam’ policy is not one of them.

Relieved on order of Torio was Herminigildo Sabangan who earned the ire of parents of barangay Dumpay for implementing the policy which they branded as illegal and discriminatory.

He was replaced by the town’s district supervisor Rosalinda Arenas in an acting capacity.

“We are now happy that DepEd finally listened to us and relieved Mr. Sabangan,” said Barangay Captain Leonardo Caranto, who led the protest action against the ‘no pay, no exam’ policy implemented by the principal.

It appeared that Sabangan unilaterally implemented the ‘no pay, no exam’ policy because even officials of the Parents-Teachers Community Association said this was never discussed by them.

Caranto said the ‘no pay, no exam’ policy is not only anti-poor but also anti-education because it marginalized the poor students who can only afford to pay their fees by installment for 10 months.

Parents, supported by Caranto, called on Sabangan to recall his unacceptable policy bt their plea fall on deep ears.