Human Rights Online Philippines

NEWS RELEASE

August 8, 2020

GROUP ASKS DEPED FOR ASSISTANCE TO TEACHERS INFECTED WITH COVID-19

With less than three weeks before the scheduled opening of classes and in the middle of worsening COVID-19 situation in the country, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) poses several questions to the management of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The TDC would like to clarify the following with the DepED;

What is the extent of COVID-19 infection in the DepEd so far?
What will be the available form of assistance for teachers and personnel infected with virus?
How will the DepEd deal with the field officials requiring their teachers and personnel to report physically despite the work from home default set-up under its own rules?

Benjo Basas, the group’s National Chairperson said that the reports that many teachers and DepEd employees have been infected with COVID-19, though yet to be validated is alarming.

“Some of these reported or even confirmed cases were attributed to the teachers’ physical reporting in their workplace. How can we convince the public that the system is ready for August 24 opening, when in fact, many of our teachers fear the possible contagion?” Basas said.

The group addressed the questions to DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones for her response. Citing observation from the police force, Basas said, “The PNP from time to time releases information on the number of COVID cases in their ranks. We need the same data from the DepEd, because it will help us to analyze the situation and to properly respond to it.”

The TDC earlier confirmed that their President for NCR, Nono Enguerra, a teacher in Manila was tested positive for the dreaded virus along with four other colleagues after they attended a face to face meeting called by school authorities disregarding DepEd guidelines during the pandemic. Enguerra is now in isolation but said that he is recovering from the disease.

“Medyo maayos naman na ako, may konting ubo na lang. Pero sabi sa akin ng doktor hindi na raw ako ite-test kung negative na sa virus. Basata pag nawala na ang symptoms, automatic daw na recovered na,” Enguerra said. #

For details:
Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson
0927-3356375

Nono Enguerra, TDC-NCR President
0908-1637529

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