Human Rights Online Philippines

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) lauds the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) for its prompt action in response to the concerns raised by the organization regarding the scorching heat affecting both teachers and students in schools.

DepEd-NCRs swift action in addressing our concerns shows the responsiveness we expect from our leaders. It emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and concern for the welfare of both teachers and students,” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.

Earlier today, DepEds director for NCR, Dr. Jocelyn Andaya, signed DepEd NCR Regional Memorandum No. 298, allowing teachers and students to wear comfortable clothing during class hours until the end of this school year on May 31, 2024. Furthermore, she encouraged schools to provide cold drinking water for teachers and learners. The memorandum also urged school heads and division superintendents to implement necessary adjustments based on their assessment of the situation. According to TDC, this may include shortening of class hours or shifting to distance learning modalities if the field or school officials find it necessary.

The TDC called on school heads to be more proactive and emphasized the need to implement the NCR directive throughout the entire DepEd system.

“While we applaud this initiative, we believe that it is crucial to replicate these policies in other regions. Everyone in the public school system is encountering similar challenges and difficulties brought about by this extreme weather condition, thus, uniform action is needed. We also call on our school heads to use their discretion and immediately respond when necessary,” Basas explained. Basas also noted that several local government units have also initiated the same and declared shortened hours of classes or a shift to distance learning modes.

TDC conducted an initial survey this afternoon and found that both teachers and students have reported various health issues resulting from the extreme weather conditions. Common complaints include dizziness, nose bleeding, headaches, high blood pressure, diarrhea, fever, and alarming cases of fainting, totaling 25 incidents as of this writing.

Furthermore, TDC’s questionnaire reveals unanimous demand among teachers for the immediate return to the old school calendar by the academic year 2025-2026.

“If we succeed in swiftly transitioning back to the old school calendar, we can prevent our students and teachers from enduring similar suffering next year, Basas ended. #

Reference:
Benjo Basas, Chairperson
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