DepEd Iloilo execs face probe over trip to US

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Department of Education (DepEd) officials in Iloilo are facing investigations for an alleged junket in last month’s Little League Softball World Series in the United States.

The DepEd in Western Visayas and the provincial board are conducting separate investigations over reports that education officials and some of their relatives, who have no official function in the softball team, were part of the delegation that went to Portland, Oregon.

But DepEd Iloilo superintendent Myrna Castillo denied the allegations.

“All those who went there were part of the team or had administrative functions in support of the team,” Castillo told Inquirer.

She said funds amounting to P1.4 million donated by private groups and individuals were spent for the transportation of 24 players and six coaches. Five other members of the delegation, including herself, spent personal money for their fare and other expenses.

“No government funds were used and DepEd personnel did not receive travel allowances,” she said.

The softball team, composed of elementary and high school students from Zarraga town in Iloilo, represented the Asia-Pacific region in the World Series from Aug. 5 to 14 after the team won the regional championship early this year.

Castillo admitted that her son, Nonie Mark, was among the five members of the delegation who were not part of the team. She said her son acted as a “conditioning coach” and also personally paid for his expenses.

Asked why her son was selected as conditioning coach, Castillo said the position was open to anyone who was qualified and was willing to shoulder the expenses for the trip.

She said the organizers of the event advised them that the trip was open to family members of the players, teachers and other officials provided they pay for their trip.

The provincial government had solicited private donations to support the team. Private donors also contributed funds for the delegation.

Board member Carmen Rita Monfort-Bautista, chair of the committee on youth affairs and sports development, said the investigation of her committee will be jointly conducted with the committee on education chaired by provincial board member Ninfa Garin.

“We are still gathering information and we will invite the parties concerned to be fair to everyone,” she told Inquirer.

Bautista said she had received an e-mail requesting for financial support for the plane fare of 34 members of the delegation from Manila to Iloilo.

She said the investigation would help ensure trips of this nature are free from irregularities because of the support of donors.

Arnold Sienna, officer in charge of DepEd Western Visayas office, said they have asked DepEd Iloilo to submit a report on the trip.