The Department of Education (DepEd) granted Certificates of Recognition to the Future Generation Philippine International School and Al Danah International School, both in Riyadh, and the Philippine Sunrise International School in Jeddah after the schools passed the ocular inspection by the DepEd on 11-17 January 2009 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Certificate of Recognition is a permanent authority given by DepEd to an educational institution overseas to operate or implement educational programs in accordance with standards or criteria established under the Philippine educational system. The Certificate of Recognition empowers the school to issue promotion certificates and diplomas to its graduates. It entitles graduates of the school’s permitted programs to all benefits and privileges enjoyed by graduates of similar programs in all schools recognized by the DepEd.

The Provisional Government Permits of Pearl of the Orient International School, Gems International School, Badr International School and Al Shorouq International School were also renewed by the DepEd.

The DepEd inspection team is composed of Dr. Yolanda S. Quijano, Director of Bureau of Elementary Education; Dr. Estrella A. Babano, Regional Director; and Ms. Ma. Elsie C. Esmer, Senior Education Program Specialist.

To date, there are 44 schools operating in Bahrain, China, Greece, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Of this number, 33 schools have been issued Permits to Operate by the DepEd, nine Provisional Government Permits and two are in various stages of application for permit to operate. About 22,500 students are currently enrolled in Philippine schools overseas in the pre-elementary, elementary and secondary level.