[Press Release] Teachers Criticize Initial K+12 Implementation – TDC

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) again expresses its opposition to the K+12 program by asking the Department of Education (DepEd) to resolve first the welfare issues of teachers under the initial phase of kindergarten program to be implemented this coming school year. Caloocan City teacher Benjo Basas, the group’s chairperson says “based on DepEd’s declaration,…

Human Rights Online Philippines

May 18, 2011

2–3 minutes

Caloocan, Caloocan City, Department of Education (Philippines), Education, Educators, ESCR, K through 12, Malacañang Palace, Teacher

Caloocan City teacher Benjo Basas, the group’s chairperson says “based on DepEd’s declaration, in 2011 alone, the program will result to hiring some 36, 000 teachers under contract of service.”

Basas said it is very unfortunate that professional teachers will suffer due to the forced implementation of the program, “If this is gong to be a permanent program for basic education, then we should hire permanent teachers based on our needs. If there is this demand in the initial implementation alone, we would expect that this will increase in the future.” He stressed.

The group also said that aside from competent teachers, the system will also have to provide for additional classrooms, sanitary facilities, chairs and instructional materials for the projected 2.4 million pre-schoolers.

“While we appreciate the effort of the present DepEd leadership to institute the kindergarten program, we want to remind them that the welfare of teachers and the quality of instruction must not be put aside.” Basas added. “The system would need specially trained pre-school teachers with acceptable terms of service and proper compensation in order to implement the program,” he furthered.

The TDC has been lobbying for a free and universal pre-school education which according to them would eventually resolve learning discrepancies and would increase the school performance of learners especially in elementary level.

“The K+12 initial phase demeans the noblest of all professions and the most important job in the world. The unfair and unacceptable terms of service and an honorarium of P3, 000.00 per month, which is only equal to that of a household helper, are serious threats to the dignity of our teachers.” Basas ended.

The group again calls for a greater subsidy on education and to include the budgetary necessities of a universal pre-school program in the national budget.

“While these basic questions are left unanswered, we believe that programs like K+12 will likely be a waste of money and effort.” Basas ended.

For details: Benjo Basas, Chairperson 0920-5740241/ 3853437