1.         In line with its efforts to prevent graft and corruption, this Office reiterates the Creation of Anti-Graft and Corruption Task Force/Committee at the Central and Field Offices and the Establishment of the Ombudsman Junior Graftwatch Units (LGUs) in Public Schools and State Colleges and Universities as announced in DECS Orders Nos. 3, s. 1997 and 43, s. 1996, respectively.

2.         The creation and establishment of these measures aims to get rid of grafters and corrupt officials and employees in DECS.

3.         In the school curriculum, several steps have been undertaken by this Office to further address the problem of graft and corruption:

a.      integration of the concepts and values specified in Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees such as honesty, nationalism, patriotism, and simple living, in the different subjects for both elementary and secondary levels;

b.      development of graft and corruption education modules for the elementary and secondary levels in coordination with the Office of the Ombudsman, the main thrust of which is to awaken the consciousness of the Filipino youth and to mold them to become responsive and participative citizenry in the battle against graft and corruption; and

c.       conduct of orientation program for principals on the use of these materials, as well as the conduct of orientation program among teachers on the concepts/values and processes adopted in the modules.

4.         Enclosed are copies of DECS Orders Nos. 3, 1997 and 43, s. 1996.

5.         Regional directors, schools superintendents and all other officials concerned are enjoined to support programs and projects geared towards the prevention, if not elimination, of graft and corruption among DECS officials, employees and teachers.

6.         Immediate dissemination of this Order is desired.

Adopted: 19 Jan. 2001


(SGD.) ANDREW GONZALES, FSC
Secretary


DECS Order No. 3, s. 1997

Creating Anti-Graft and Corruption Task Force/Committees
at the DECS Central and Field Offices

1.         In line with the policy of the current leadership at the Department of Education, Culture and Sports to get rid of grafters and corrupt officials and employees, and pursuant to the Memorandum of H.E. President Fidel V. Ramos dated January 10, 1997, an Anti-Graft and Corruption Task Force is hereby created at the DECS Central Office to be headed by the undersigned.

2.         All regional directors and schools superintendents are directed to create similar anti-graft and corruption committees in their respective offices.  The committees will handle all graft and corruption matters, cases and reports in the region/division.

3.         The Anti-Graft and Corruption Task Force at the Central Office shall have a nationwide coverage. Hence, the members of the Task Force are authorized to look into records, papers and documents in any office at the national, regional, division, and even at the school level, to facilitate the completion of their assigned task.  The members of the Central Office Task Force shall directly report their findings and recommendations to the undersigned.

4.         The Central Office Task Force shall develop within ten (10) days after the issuance of this Order a national operations plan against graft and corruption.  The plan shall cover both preventive, prosecutory and rehabilitative measures.

5.         In order to monitor regularly the various anti-graft and corruption efforts exerted by the different sectors in the Department, the attached forms shall be filled up and submitted every last week of the month to the office of the undersigned, through FAX no. 632-0805.

6.         Expenses incurred in connection with this undertaking shall be chargeable against the funds of the Office of the Secretary, or of the Regional/Division Office, as the case may be.

7.         Immediate dissemination of and compliance with this Order is enjoined.

Adopted: 20 Jan. 1996

(SGD.) RICARDO T. GLORIA
Secretary


DECS Order No. 43, s. 1996

Establishment of the Ombudsman Junior Graftwatch Units (JGUs) in Public
Secondary Schools and State Colleges and Universities

1.         The Junior Graftwatch Unit is an organization to be established by students and community-based youth organizations as the coordinating arm of the Office of the Ombudsman in the campaign against graft and corruption.

2.         The LGU shall be formed by the students in close coordination with the Office of the Ombudsman and shall become part of the school ™s extra-curricular organizations.

3.         The program aims to: (1) direct the growing concern and awaken the consciousness of young citizens into productive action towards the elimination or reduction of graft and corruption and its effects to the country ™s economy; (b) develop and ingrain in the youth moral values such as honesty and efficiency in preparation for their future roles as leaders of the country; and (c) orient the youth on the tasks, functions, and role of the Office of the Ombudsman.

4.         In response to the request of the Ombudsman for assistance in the effective implementation of the Junior Graftwatch Program, all Ombudsman representatives should be allowed to conduct orientation seminars on Junior Graftwatch in all public secondary schools and state colleges and universities throughout the country.

5.         Inclosed is a copy of the JGU Concept Paper for the information and guidance of all concerned.

6.         The wide dissemination and strict compliance of this Order is enjoined.

Adopted: 20 June 1996

(SGD.) RICARDO T. GLORIA
Secretary