1. DECS is pleased to announce the enclosed list of approved centennial-related instructional materials, duly evaluated by the DECS Office for Culture and Arts, which may be purchased by or for DECS field offices for school year 1998-1999.

2. Relative thereto, the following guidelines are hereby issued regarding the purchase of these instructional materials:

a. Notwithstanding the issuance of this list, basic textbooks shall continue to be given priority in the allocation of funds for the purchase of instructional materials;

b. The prices contained herein are ceiling prices. Thus, field officials may negotiate for discounts from suppliers particularly when large volumes of purchases are involved, consistent with the established practice in the publishing industry, in order to secure the best terms for the government;

c. For purposes of transparency, all school divisions and regional offices shall post appropriate information on their bulletin boards accessible to the public about any planned and implemented purchases of such materials. Furthermore, these offices must provide the DECS Instructional Materials Council Secretariat with a copy of purchase orders for these materials for proper monitoring purposes.

d. The quantity of materials purchased should conform with established instructional material per pupil/student/class ratios consistent with the provisions found in DECS Order No. 6, s. 1998.

2. DECS Regional and Division Offices are further enjoined to tap school board and other allowable sources of funds to finance the procurement of centennial-related materials for use in commemorating the country ™s centennial celebrations this year and for instructional purposes.

3. All concerned are enjoined to exercise judicious care in the procurement of these materials in order to maximize the benefits for the school children.

4. For the information and guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: 7 Sept. 1998

(SGD.) ANDREW GONZALEZ, FSC
Secretary