Human Rights Online Philippines

DepEd Head Teachers Worried for Possible Loss of Position

The National Head Teachers Association of the Philippines (NaHTAP), an organization of DepEd employees with Head Teachers (HTs) positions in the national plantilla reiterated its call on the DepEd not to dissolve their positions under the E0 174 or the policy to create expanded career progression system for public school teachers.

This is according to Dino Busilig, the groups lead convenor and a head teacher from Batangas province as the proposed implementing rules drafted by DepEd would result in mass demoralization.

Based on recent information, the IRR will be released this January, but the DepEd has not initiated a consultation with the stakeholders, especially the Head Teachers who will be affected by this policy change. We have been patient and we continue to wait for the DepEds call for consultation but it seems that we are waiting for nothing, Busilig exclaimed.

The group said that they have received information that the DepEd has finished the draft and there are circulation documents that their positions, which are administrative in nature will be retitled to classroom tasks, an option that is not explicitly provided in the said executive order.

Because of anxiety and demoralization, some of our seasoned colleagues are now planning to retire, Busilig added.

Meanwhile, the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) supported the move of NaHTAP and even lobbied for the adoption of their position on the matter to Representative Roman Romulo, the Chair of the House Basic Education Committee.

We maintain our stand to retain the Head Teacher position in the proposed policy contrary to the expressed intention of the DepEd to dissolve or retitle the said positions in the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of EO 174, said TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas in a letter to Romulo.

Last November, the House panel consolidated the bills that intend to provide a career progression system for teachers and adopted some proposals from TDC and NaHTAP.

We would like to ask your support to the said bill that will harmonize the wisdom of the House Basic Education Committee, the opinions and sentiments of organized teachers and the intention of Executive Order 174 which is to provide a better and expanded career progression system for public school teachers, Basas furthered.

Both groups are seeking the support of legislators for the bill or a better version of the IRR.

While we are worried by this situation, we are still hopeful that the DepEd, DBM, CSC and PRC will be fair enough to consider the retention of our position, Busilig ended.

For details:
Dino Busilig, Lead Convenor, NaHTAP
09063551496

Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson
09273356375

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