JEDDAH, 7 July 2005 — Question: My son is studying in one of the Filipino schools in Jeddah that is not accredited by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd). Will he be admitted if he transfers to a school in Manila? – Juan de la Cruz

Answer: Your son has to pass re-validation or re-evaluation tests before he can be admitted in DepEd-accredited schools.

This hypothetical question and answer is based on a press statement issued yesterday by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh to clarify the issue over schools who are either accredited and not-accredited to teach the Philippine school curriculum.

Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla said he wrote Jose Z. Molano Jr., executive director of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), and Molano answered by citing Section 51 of the Manual of Policies and Regulations for Philippine Schools Overseas. According to the manual, any student or pupil from any school overseas not recognized and accredited by the DepEd will be treated as foreign student or pupil when they seek to enroll or transfer in any DepEd-accredited Philippine school in the Philippines or overseas.

As such, the manual adds, the student has to take re-validation or re-evaluation tests administered by the DepEd’s National Educational Testing and Research Center.

“According to Mr. Molano, the Philippine Validating Test (PVT) administered by the NETRC is intended to validate learnings acquired by those who enrolled in elementary/secondary schools operating without permit from the Department of Education,” the embassy statement said.

Molano added that the tests cover English, Filipino, science, mathematics and social studies (HEKASI) and Araling Panlipunan. “Tests are based on the learning competencies prescribed in the elementary and secondary school curricula,” the statement also said, citing Molano’s letter.

To enable the student to take the PVT, a letter of request should be submitted to the Office of Director of the NETRC together with the student’s permanent record and endorsement from the DepEd Regional Office where the student intends to enroll.