Under the Adopt-a-School Program (ASP), corporations can receive up to 150 percent tax deductibles for those who will donate online learning tools to public school students. This program on business tax incentives, which was established in 1998, will aid the Department of Education (DepEd) in the transition to online and blended learning amid the pandemic.
“Business process outsourcing companies, for instance, can donate brand-new or even secondhand desktop computers, laptops or tablets for home use by both students and teachers, while those in telecommunications can sponsor free data plans to facilitate remote learning over the internet,” says Pasig Representative Roman Romulo.
Donors of basic education materials may deduct from their gross taxable income up to 150 percent of the value of their contribution. So if a donor sponsors P10 million worth of laptops, it may claim a deduction of up to P15 million from gross income. Romulo mentioned that DepEd has existing guidelines on the application process of private donors who will avail the tax benefits. New donors are urged to contact DepEd’s External Partnership Service Secretariat for more details on the mechanics of ASP.
In the major transition to e-learning, it can be recalled that Sen. Grace Poe criticized the National Telecommunication Commission on their “incompetence” in handling matters concerning internet connectivity in the country—a crucial component of online classes.
Poe said that the Senate’s public service committee, which she heads, will directly require telco companies to render monthly reports on their initiatives. In 2017, the Philippines’ internet connection is the slowest in Asia Pacific.