The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has formally asked the Department Of Education (DepEd) to clarify a certain content of a DepEd Order on the calendar of school activities for school year 2011-2012, particularly the dates provided for the semestral break in schools.

In a letter dated October 21, Benjo Basas, the group’s chairperson said, “We would like to commend the order for specifically providing the number of school days- actual learning and the buffer days to be used in school activities- for this school year. It further institutionalizes the extra-curricular activities which are important elements of the learner’s holistic development.”

DepEd Order No. 28, s. 2011 enjoined the public elementary and secondary schools to strictly observe the 180 non-negotiable teaching and learning days. It further gives a total of 22 buffer days that may be spent for examinations, contests, activities, national and regional holidays and even class suspensions due to natural calamities and disasters.

“However,” Basas furthered “it did not particularly mention the holding of the school-based in-service training (INSET) that traditionally held during the semestral break. In our understanding, the semestral break which falls from October 26 to 31 means also a week-long vacation for us teachers.”

According to Basas, their office has been receiving information that teachers in many areas are required to report for duty during the semestral break while others will be having their INSET.

“We appeal to the Secretary and the field officials of the DepEd to grant us this vacation which actually will be used to accomplish our periodic tasks for second quarter like test results and students’ grades.” Basas ended.

The TDC further argued that there is no need to report to school because students are all in vacation beginning October 26 up to November 2. #

For details:
Benjo Basas, TDC Chairperson 0920-5740241/385-3437