The DepEd Adopt-a-School Program, established under Republic Act No. 8525, aims to improve public education in the Philippines by encouraging private sector participation through donations, services, and partnerships. This initiative was created to address resource gaps in public schools, especially in underprivileged areas, by allowing individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute in cash, in-kind, or volunteer efforts. By bridging the public-private divide, the program enhances learning environments, provides necessary facilities and materials, and empowers local communities to take part in nation-building through education.
Both public schools and private entities can participate—schools apply as beneficiaries by coordinating with their local Department of Education (DepEd) offices, while adopting entities submit proposals and sign a Memorandum of Agreement detailing their contributions. The program also offers tax incentives to donors, including an additional 50% deduction from gross income, making it attractive for businesses and individuals who wish to make a social impact. Understanding this program is necessary, especially for educators, parents, LGUs, and civic groups, because it promotes sustainable partnerships that uplift the quality of education and directly support Filipino learners in need. If you are interested in helping to provide the much-needed financial assistance, resources, and services to public schools across the country, then this guide will explain everything you need to know to become either an adopting entity or a beneficiary.
Program Overview
The DepEd Adopt-a-School Program is a partnership initiative that allows private entities—both individuals and organizations—to assist public schools in the form of infrastructure, learning support materials, teacher training, feeding programs, or technology facilities. In return, these participating private groups can enjoy tax incentives and recognition. The program is managed by a Coordinating Council composed of DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and other stakeholders in hopes of strengthening the education sector by bridging the gap in government funding, especially in underserved communities.
Assistance under this program is not limited to cash donations. Adopting entities may also contribute any of the following:
- Construction or renovation of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and school facilities
- Provision of learning materials, textbooks, and school supplies
- Installation of science and computer laboratories
- Teacher training and professional development
- Feeding programs and health/nutrition projects
- Support for special education, indigenous education, or disaster-affected schools
This flexibility allows adopting partners to align their support with the specific needs of the school they are helping.
How Does the Adoption Work?
The collaboration between a public school and an adopting private entity is formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This MOA outlines the terms of the partnership including:
- Type of assistance to be provided
- Duration of the adoption (minimum of two years)
- Responsibilities of both parties
This agreement must be signed by the school head and approved by the appropriate education authority (DepEd Division Superintendent, CHED Regional Director, or TESDA Provincial Director).
Benefits
Participating in the program, either as an adopting entity or as a beneficiary offers numerous benefits including the following:
For adopting entities and private partners
- Tax Incentives: One of the key benefits for participating private entities is the tax incentive granted under the program. Here’s how it works:
- The value of the assistance (in cash or kind) is eligible for a 50% additional tax deduction on top of the actual expense
- To claim this deduction, the adopting entity must file a year-end application with the National Secretariat
- Once approved by the Coordinating Council, it will be endorsed to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Note: For foreign donations, additional requirements are needed, such as a Deed of Undertaking and a letter indicating that the goods will be used only for education purposes.
- Their name included in the adopted school’s signage (e.g., “XYZ Elementary School under the Adopt-a-School Program of ABC Corporation”)
- A seat in the local school board of the school’s municipality, providing more involvement in local education planning
These incentives not only offer recognition but also encourage long-term commitment.
For beneficiaries
Here’s a list of benefits that beneficiary schools receive under the DepEd Adopt-a-School Program:
- Improved Learning Facilities: Schools may receive classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other infrastructure support.
- Access to Learning Materials: Donated books, modules, teaching aids, and educational equipment enhance the quality of instruction.
- Support for Teacher Training: Teachers benefit from sponsored seminars, workshops, and capacity-building programs.
- Technology Upgrades: Adopting entities often provide computers, internet access, and digital tools for modern learning.
- Health and Nutrition Assistance: Some partners provide feeding programs, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and other wellness initiatives.
- Improved School Environment: Schools receive help in landscaping, repairs, sanitation facilities, and beautification projects.
- Community Engagement: Partnerships encourage greater involvement of parents, LGUs, and local groups in school development.
- Financial Support: Schools may receive funds or grants for specific projects or urgent needs.
- Innovation and Special Programs: Pilot projects or alternative learning methods introduced by partners can improve teaching and learning.
- Increased Motivation for Students and Staff: Enhanced facilities and resources boost morale and create a better learning atmosphere.
Who Can Be an Adopting Entity?
Any private individual or organization—local or foreign—can adopt a public school as long as they meet the following criteria:
- Must have been operating for at least one year (with SEC registration or CDA certification)
- Must present proof (e.g., SEC registration, DTI permit, or CDA certificate for cooperatives).
- Should have a positive and credible track record
- Demonstrated ability to deliver assistance, projects, or services in line with education or community development.
- Must have clean legal standing and not be involved in any illegal activities like money laundering
- Must not have been found guilty of illegal activities such as money laundering or fraud.
These qualifications aim to safeguard schools and ensure that only legitimate and reliable partners are engaged in the program.
Which Schools Can Apply as Beneficiaries?
All levels of public schools under DepEd, CHED, and TESDA can participate in the program. However, priority is often given to:
- Schools in low-income municipalities or poorest provinces
- Schools with classroom shortages
- Schools with budget limitations
- Schools with a large number of high-performing but economically disadvantaged learners
These criteria help direct support where it’s most needed and can make the biggest difference.
Required Documents
Here are some of the documents you need to prepare:
As an Adopting Entity
- Certificate of registration (SEC, DTI, or CDA)
- Organizational profile or business portfolio
- Project proposal or list of intended assistance (e.g., learning materials, school buildings, feeding programs)
- Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) draft with proposed public school
- Tax compliance documents (for future tax incentive claims)
As a Beneficiary School
- Letter of Intent addressed to the Schools Division Superintendent
- School Improvement Plan (SIP) or Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)
- School Profile (must include enrollment data, school location, and basic school information)
- List of Priority Needs or Projects for possible adoption
- Endorsement Letter from the School Head or Principal
- Photos of the School and the areas/projects needing improvement
Steps to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide for those who want to join the DepEd Adopt-a-School Program:
As an Adopting Entity
Step 1. Identify a Public School to Support
- Choose a DepEd school (elementary, secondary, or senior high) in need. Priority is often given to schools in:
- Low-income LGUs
- Poorest provinces
- Areas with classroom shortage
- Communities with high-performing but underprivileged learners
Step 2. Coordinate with the School Head and DepEd Division Office
- Discuss proposed assistance and scope (e.g., donation of books, building renovation, digital tools).
- The DepEd Division Superintendent will facilitate the formal process.
Step 3. Sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
- The MOA must detail:
- Type and scope of assistance
- Timeline (minimum of 2 years)
- Roles and responsibilities
- MOA must be ratified by the:
- DepEd Division Superintendent
- CHED Regional Director (if higher ed)
- TESDA Provincial Director (if tech-voc school)
Step 4. Submit for Review and Approval
- The MOA and requirements are reviewed by DepEd, and endorsed to the Coordinating Council through the National Secretariat.
Step 5. Start Implementing the Project
- Once approved, the adopting entity may begin project implementation with the school.
- Regular reviews will be conducted by the Local School Board and Coordinating Council to track impact and performance.
Step 6. Apply for Tax Incentives (Optional but encouraged)
- Eligible donations qualify for an additional 50% deduction from gross income.
- Submit tax incentive application to the Coordinating Council via the National Secretariat with:
- MOA
- Receipts
- Project documentation
Step 7. Get Recognized as an Official School Partner
- The adopting entity may be:
- Listed as a partner on the school signboard (e.g., “Adopted by XYZ Corporation”)
- Invited to sit in the Local School Board
- Acknowledged in DepEd reports and events
As a Beneficiary School
Step 1. Identify Needs
Determine the specific support or assistance the school requires—whether it’s infrastructure, learning materials, or feeding programs.
Step 2. Coordinate with DepEd
Contact your local DepEd division office to express your intent to participate and to receive guidance on the application process.
Step 3. Find a Potential Adopting Entity
Work with DepEd or the program secretariat to match your school with an interested private partner.
Step 4: Draft and Sign a MOA
Once a private partner is secured, draft a Memorandum of Agreement that includes the terms and type of assistance. This must be signed and ratified by the proper authorities.
Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring
Once approved, the project can begin. The Local School Board will periodically review the implementation and report results. Feedback and evaluations are submitted to the Coordinating Council.
Program Oversight and Evaluation
To maintain transparency and effectiveness, the program is closely monitored. The Local School Board (LSB), along with CHED and TESDA regional offices, conduct periodic reviews to assess:
- How the assistance was used
- Its impact on students and the community
- Participation of other stakeholders
They may also recommend improvements or even termination of the partnership if it is not meeting its objectives. Any disputes or appeals are addressed by the Coordinating Council, whose decisions are final.
Who Oversees the Program?
The program is administered by a Coordinating Council made up of representatives from DepEd, CHED, TESDA, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and a representative from the business sector. This council is responsible for:
- Creating and updating program guidelines
- Reviewing project reports and evaluations
- Approving tax incentive applications
Meanwhile, the National Secretariat handles the daily coordination and provides technical and administrative support to all participants. Each education agency (DepEd, CHED, TESDA) also has its own secretariat to manage program implementation within their jurisdiction.
Video: Adopt-A-School Program, Mas Pinalawak
The DepEd Adopt-a-School Program is a collaborative approach that allows public schools to access much-needed financial assistance and resources through partnerships with the private sector. For schools in underserved areas, joining the program can mean better classrooms, improved learning materials, and support programs that uplift students’ lives. If you are part of a public school looking to improve your educational services, this is one of the DepEd programs worth exploring. To better understand the process and how the government continues to improve the program, watch this video from PTV Philippines below: