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[Statement] TDC reaction on the calls for academic freeze

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC). Photo by Arnel Tuazon

TDC reaction on the calls for academic freeze

“Sa simula pa lamang ay naniniwala na kami na Enero 2021 ang pinakaligtas at pinakahandang panahon para sa pagbubukas ng klase. Gamitin ang ilang buwang ito upang ihanda ang mga pangangailangan at bigyan ng pagsasanay ang mga guro at magulang at magbigay ng alternatibong paraan sa pag-aaral ang mga kabataan- samakatuwid ay hindi masasayang ang oras Gayunman, mula nang iatras ang Agosto 24 at gawin itong Oktubre 5, gusto naming bigyan ng pagkakataon ang DepEd sa mga ginagawa nitong paghahanda at kami man ay nakikiisa sa mga paghahandang ito. Subalit sa huli, hindi ang kagustuhan, ni ang kahandaan ang DepEd ang mapagpasya kundi ang sitwasyon ng pandemya at ang krisis na dulot nito.”

Reference:
Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson
09273356375

Statement

[Video] Ilan na kaya ang COVID19 positive sa DEPED? -TDC

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

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

Video

[Statement] Epekto ng MECQ sa pagbubukas ng klase sa Agosto 24 -TDC

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC). Photo by Arnel Tuazon

Epekto ng mecq sa pagbubukas ng klase sa Agosto 24
Agosto 4, 2020

Ang muling pagsasailalim sa MECQ sa Metro Manila at ilan sa pinakamalalaking lalawigan ng Luzon ay may malaking epekto sa inaasahang pagbubukas ng klase sa Agosto 24. Dahil malilimitahan ang paggalaw ng mga mamamayan, hindi rin maisasaayos ang mga kinakailangang paghahanda lalo na sa mga gagamiting modules. Batay kasi sa inilabas na datos ng Department of Education (DepEd) kamakailan, ang modular modality ang isyang magiging pangunahing pamamaraan ng pagtuturo sa ating mga paaralan sa buong bansa. Isang malaking hamon ngayon ang kakaharapin sapagkat marami sa mga dibisyon sa bansa, kahit pa yaong mga hindi naisasailalim sa MECQ ay hindi pa handa ang modules na gagamitin ng mga mag-aaral at guro.

Sa ganitong kalagayan, kakailanganin ang pagpapasya ng DepEd at ang tulong na maaaring maibigay ng lahat ng sektor kung sakaling nanaisin pa ring maituloy ang pagbubukas ng klase sa buong bansa o sa anumang bahagi nito sa Agosto 24. Tandaan na matatapos ang MECQ sa Agosto 18 o anim na araw bago ang takdang pagbubukas ng klase,

Ang hinihiling namin sa pamunuan ng DepEd ay maging bukas sa pakikipag-usap sa mismong mga frontliners ng edukasyon, ang mga classroom teachers, alamin ang kanilang saloobin at kunin ang kanilang mga opinyon.

Kung sakaling tapat na makitang hindi uubra, ay huwag sanang ipilit ang pagpapatupad nito. Maraming produktong bagay ang maaaring magawa sa mga panahong wala pa ang klase- distance man o face to face. Gamitin natin ang panahon para matiyak na maisagawa ang mahusay na pagsasanay sa mga guro, oryentasyon sa mga magulang, produksiyon ng mga TV at radio lessons, pagpapaunlad sa modules at pag-iimprenta nito. May sapat na panahon din upang makuha ang kumpiyansa ng taong-bayan.

Higit sa lahat makapag-aambag ang DepEd sa pagsisikap ng lahat upang maiwasan pang lalo ang pagdami ng kaso ng COVID-19.

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

Statement

[Statement] Physical reporting of teachers, unnecessary, impractical -TDC

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Physical reporting of teachers, unnecessary, impractical

After we have released the appeal to the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones to extend the work from a home arrangement for teachers yesterday, some of the schools that initially required their teachers to report physically on Monday canceled the order. Many of those field officials said that they will be waiting for the final order from DepEd, which means that teachers will continue to work from home until the release of a clear and uniformed instruction from the DepEd.

We appreciate such gestures from school heads and some field officials. We, however, call on the DepEd Central Office to respond to our formal query and appeal sent to the Office of the Secretary and some members of the DepEd Execom yesterday. In a critical moment like this, every instruction must be clear so as not to create confusion or ambiguity. This is beyond the tasks expected from us, but more so it concerns the health and safety of our teachers and the general public.

We are in the belief that requiring teachers to report to school beginning Monday, June 22 is unnecessary, impractical and will just place them and other people in a health hazard. As we have earlier said, all the tasks required from us during this period may be done at home and there is no need for physical reporting. The DepEd has to prove that the system is ready for distance learning modality- and if they require the teachers to report physically to render tasks that can be done distantly, it defeats the idea of virtual readiness.

Again, we call on Secretary Leonor Briones to order the field offices of DepEd from regions to schools to halt teachers’ reporting on Monday and extend the work from home arrangement until physical reporting is necessary and possible. Lastly, we reiterate our willingness to sit for a virtual even actual dialogue to shed light on this and other matters.

Reference:
Emmalyn Policarpio, Secretary-General
0926-3143106

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

Statement

[From the web] Contractual, part-time professors slam alleged University discrimination -TDC

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC). Photo by Arnel Tuazon

Contractual, part-time professors slam alleged University discrimination

Amidst the crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, some instructors from one of the country’s leading state universities cried foul over the alleged neglect, injustice and discrimination. The management of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the country’s largest university system is criticized by its own teachers.

In a Facebook post, Jose Mario De Vega, an instructor in the university’s Department of Philosophy and Humanities exclaimed, “Kaming mga part timers, mga Kontraktuwal na mga manggagawa e walang nakuhang ni anumang tulong o ayuda sa administrasyon ng PUP nitong panahon na ito ng Pandemiko! Bakit? Wala daw kasing employer employee relationship! At dahil no work, no pay kami e bahala na kami sa mga buhay namin?”

De Vega who has been teaching in the university since 2012 criticized the management for neglect and inhumanity, “Kahit isang kilong bigas o isang lata ng sardinas ay walang ayudang ibinigay ang pamantasang ito sa amin, lalo na sa mga katulad kong part-timer,” he added. “But on May 30, the PUP administration released a memorandum to all the teachers, including myself requiring us to develop and submit instructional materials. This is a clear instance of discrimination, an inhumane treatment of your employees. Kapag sahod, benepisyo, biyaya at ayuda ay para lang sa mga regular, pero kapag trabaho, gawain at dagdag pang tungkulin na walang bayad kahit piso ay damay na kaming mga part timers at contractual?”

De Vega also revealed that he was among the employees who did not benefit from any of the assistance given by the government to displaced workers, the poorest of the poor and all the other people in general who lost their livelihood during several months of community quarantine. Thus, “a helping hand from the university I served with diligence, sincerity and excellence will be a gesture of compassion if not gratitude,” he said.

The sentiments of De Vega was echoed by a former PUP colleague, Mark Joseph Santos who is now teaching in another university, in another social media post said, “Isang malaking kabalintunaan kung ang PUP, na nakabuo na ng pambansang pangalan bilang isa sa mga pangunahing institusyon na nagsusulong ng katarungang panlipunan, ay patuloy na magpipikit ng mata sa busabos na kalagayan ng sarili nitong kaguruan, na siyang mga haliging dahilan kung bakit nananatiling matayog ang pagkakatayo ng unibersidad.”

The PUP is popularly tagged as the “People’s University” for producing professionals and students who involved themselves in the service of the people and in advocating social justice.

The same is true with the ardent support and solidarity given by Professor Jun Cruz Reyes, a known writer and Literature professor at the University of the Philippines who also teaches at PUP. Referring to De Vega’s rants, this is what he said publicly, “Salamat sa pagbibigay ng boses sa nakararaming faculty ng unibersidad. Kailangan natin ng mga opisyal na visionary lalo na sa panahon ng crisis. Hindi sapat ang katuwirang sumunod ka na lang o argumentong teknikal. Kailangan ng mga diskusyon para makabuo ng plano. Kailangan marinig ang maraming sentemiento. Polytechnic, ibig sabihi’y marami, pagsama-samahin ang maraming tinig lalo na ng nasa ibaba.”

Cruz-Reyes, a multi-awarded literary writer took swipe at PUP administration and compared its actions with some institutions. “Sa Bulacan State University (BSU), advance ang sweldo, kinunsulta ang part-timers at binigyan ng advice hanggang next semester. Sa University of the Philippines (UP), ang haba ng konsultasyon at tuloy din ang sweldo. Sa UP rin, maraming benepisyo ang untenured faculty, tuition, allowances sa bigas, clothing etc. Ang isyu (sa PUP), pag may ipapagawa sa part-time, i.e. accreditation, public lecture libre. Pag benefits naman eh wala. Tatlong buwang walang ni ha ni ho mula sa administrasyon. Ngayon nama’y nagpapagawa ng module. May bayad ‘yon sa La Salle, kung hindi yon magawa ng mga full time, ba’t sa walang sweldo ia-assign? Hindi normal ang panahon, extra measure ang kailangan,” Cruz-Reyes said in a lengthy Facebook comment.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed its support to PUP contractual and part-time professors and called on the university management and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to help the teachers in similar situation with De Vega.

“The CHED must look into the policy of hiring contractual teachers and part-timers in all higher education institutions especially in government-run schools. The state shall serve as a good example to all other employers in treating their employees, thus contractualization particularly in education institution should not be tolerated,” said Benjo Basas, the TDC’s National Chairperson.

The TDC sincerely viewed and firmly maintained that part-timers and contractual teachers like in the case of PUP’s De Vega should be responded with a more concrete solution and not just a one-time assistance. “Undoubtedly, our teachers and other employees in the same scheme need assistance either from the government or school management or both. But to be more precise, a policy of non-discrimination in terms of hiring and regularization shall be in place,” Basas ended.

The TDC has formally seek the intervention of CHED and the respective higher education committees of Congress.

For details:
Jose Mario De Vega, 0928-6292431
Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson- 0927 3356375

From the web

[From the web] Mga guro ikinatuwa ang pahayag ng deped na walang saysay ang mga ‘waiver’ at hindi sapilitan ang physical reporting -TDC

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Mga guro ikinatuwa ang pahayag ng deped na walang saysay ang mga ‘waiver’ at hindi sapilitan ang physical reporting

Ikinatuwa ng mga guro ang naging pahayag ng Department of Education (DepEd) ukol sa isyu ng mga ‘waiver’ na sa naunang ulat ng TDC ay pinapipirmahan sa mga gurong pinapapasok sa mga paaralan.

“Minsan pa ay muling sinabi ng DepEd na mali ang sapilitang pagpapasok sa mga guro sa panahong ito ng pandemya kung saan ay nasasailalim pa sa iba’t ibang kategorya ng community quarantine ang buong bansa,” ayon kay Emmlayn Policarpio ang Secretary-General ng grupo. “Ito ang dahilan kung bakit namin hinihiling na na maglabas ng paglilinaw ang DepEd Central Office upang hindi na magkaroon pa ng pagtatalo at iba-ibang interpretasyon sa field,” dagdag pa niya.

Noong Hunyo 15 ay lumiham si Policarpio sa DepEd upang hilingin na ipag-utos na hindi muna dapat na magpatupad ng physical reporting sa mga paaralan noong Lunes, Hunyo 22 dahilan sa pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID at kawalan ng pampublikong transportasyon.

“Nakarating sa aming tanggapan ang ilang report tungkol sa mga guro at mga kawani ng DepEd na pinapipirma ng waiver upang sila ay pumasok sa opisina o paaralan. Ipinaaalala ng DepEd na ayon sa DO 11, s. 2020, ang physical reporting ay hindi mandatory at kinakailangang ikonsulta sa empleyado.” Ito ang mababasa sa pahayag ng DepEd sa kanilang opisyal na Facebook Page ngayong gabi na kalakip ang DM-PHROD-2020-00203 ukol sa Advisory on Executing Employee Waiver as a Requirement Upon Return to Work during the Period of State of National Emergency due to CoVID-19 Pandemic na nilagdaan ni DepEd Undersecretary Jesus Mateo.

Malinaw ding sinabi sa pahayag na “Ang mga waiver na nag-a-authorize sa DepEd personnel at mga guro na pumasok ay walang legal effect.”

Kamakalawa ay pinuna ng TDC CALABARZON Chapter ang pagpapirma ng waiver sa isang paaralan sa Calamba City, Laguna kung saan ay naging viral dahilan sa pinalalabas na boluntaryo umanong pumasok ang guro sa paaralan kahit batid niyang maaari siyang mahawaan ng kinatatakutang corona virus. Subalit ayon naman sa DepEd Calamba, iyon daw ay health declaration form bagamat may titulong ‘waiver.’

“Waiver man o health declaration form, ang ganitong uri ng dokumento na pinapipirmahan sa guro ay hindi kinakailangan at isang kalabisan. Hindi maaaring piliting mag-ulat sa paaralan ang isang guro habang inaaalis ng tanggapan o paaralan ang kanyang pananagutan. Kailangang maimbestigahan ito ng DepEd pati na ang mga katulad na kaso sa iba pang mga dibisyon at rehiyon. Bakit kasi sa kabila ng utos ng kagawaran na hindi dapat magkaroon ng physical reporting at ang work from home arrangement ang dapat gamitin ay napakarami pa ring paaralan ang nagpapapasok sa kanilang mga guro,” ayon kay Richie Salubre, pangulo ng TDC CALABARZON, ang regional chapter ng TDC.

Samantala, idinagdag din ng DepEd sa huling pahayag nito na “Ang pagpasok sa opisina o paaralan ay ikokonsidera lamang kung ang task o function ay hindi maaaring gawin sa pamamagitan ng alternative at remote work arrangements.”

Ibinahagi naman ni Policarpio na hindi lamang sa CALABARZON mayroong mga kaso ng pagpapapirma ng waiver kundi maging sa iba pang rehiyon kabilang na ang Central Luzon at National Capital Region (NCR). “Siguro naman ay malinaw na ngayon ang lahat, na ang waiver ay walang saysay at hindi kinikilala ng DepEd at ng batas at ang pisikal na pag-uulat sa paaralan ay hindi dapat isinasagawa.” Pagtatapos ni Policarpio. #

For details:
Emmalyn Policarpio, TDC Secretary-General, 0926-3143106
Richie Salubre, TDC CALABARZON President, 0921-3880309

Press Release

[Press Release] Teachers may need ‘internet’ allowance, local support -TDC

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers may need ‘internet’ allowance, local support -TDC

With the looming ‘new normal’ in education, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) asks the Department of Education (DepEd) for a sort of internet allowance to boost their existing cash allowance popularly known as “chalk allowance’ intended to for materials they use for teaching.

“With this drastic change in teaching and learning approaches, our teachers will need to upgrade their technological capacity and digital access,” said Ildefonso Enguerra III, a teacher in Roxas High School, Manila and the President of TDC-NCR Teachers’ Union (TDC-NCRTU), the TDC’s regional chapter in Metro Manila. “The DepEd may consider the provision of gadgets like laptop computers or tablets and internet access to our teachers,” he added.

Last week the DepEd announced that the cash or ‘chalk’ allowance in the amount if P3, 500 will be released sooner to all the teachers engaged in actual classes despite the earlier confirmation that there would be no face to face learning.

“That amount is only equivalent to P16.00 a day, but it would certainly help our teachers. But again, with online tasks continuously growing, we may need more funds to cope-up. Our experience in the first week of enrolment alone- where we were tasked to enlist the children online through social media, text messages and calls- shows that we will be needing more assistance to deliver the expected output of distance education,” Enguerra, who is also currently engaged in online classes revealed. The TDC said that a P1, 000 internet allowance per month, may not be enough but will be a great help for teachers.

The TDC, meanwhile commends the local government units that initially pledged their help to their constituents, teachers, and learners alike, including the cities of Pasig, Taguig, Manila and Quezon. These LGUs have pledged to provide gadgets to teachers and students or both.

“We appreciate all those initiatives, but we fear that if we leave it solely to the initiative of the LGUs, it will further widen the digital divide. These are highly urbanized cities and among the richest in our country, so obviously they have the capacity, while others do not,” Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson said.

Basas, however said that there is hope even in some localities outside the capital as proven by the Malolos City local school board (LSB), when Mayor Bebong Gatchalian and schools division superintendent Dr. Norma Esteban, co-chairs of the board agreed on the proposal of the City of Malolos Public School Teachers’ Association (COMPSTA) president Rommel Alcaraz for the provision of portable broadband, flash drives, alcohol and masks for all the 1, 700 teachers in the city.

“The city school board complied with the Learning Continuity Plan set forth by the DepEd Malolos and it did not leave the teachers on their own. Napakalaking tulong po ito para sa aming mga guro na makasabay sa ‘new normal education’ na ating kinakaharap ngayon,” Alcaraz said in a Facebook post.

The TDC leadership enjoined all its local members and affiliates to persuade their respective local school boards to divert the funds from repair and maintenance, construction and sports facilities to technological needs of both teachers and learners in their localities.

“The need for building may not be that urgent, even the sports activities are suspended. So it may be wise if we spend the money for digital needs. However, to be fair to all, the national government must step in,” Basas ended. #

For details:
Ildefonso Enguerra, TDC-NCRTU President- 0908 1637529
Rommel Alcaraz, COMPSTA President- 0932 8784676
Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson- 0927 3356375

Press Release

[Press Release] Teachers welcome Senate approval of School Calendar Revision Bill -TDC

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers welcome Senate approval of School Calendar Revision Bill

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) commends the action of both Houses of Congress to the bill that seeks to empower the president to set the opening of classes beyond August. The bill will amend a certain provision of RA 7797 which limits the opening of classes between the first Monday of June to the last day of August.

Last Monday, May 26, both the Senate Committees on Basic and Higher Education approved the consolidated version of several bills into SB 1541, while on Saturday, May 31, the counterpart committees in the lower house approved its own version, the HB 6895.

“The swift action of both Houses of Congress is commendable, our legislators understand the importance and urgency of this policy. We hope that it will soon be signed into law so the President may alter the school opening for SY 2020-2021 beyond August if necessary. If not, then the law will still be relevant. We cannot see the future, anyway,” said Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson.

The TDC earlier raised concerns on the preparedness of DepEd to facilitate virtual or distance education citing sentiments from the parents and even some teachers. But the group says that teachers are willing to work for whatever mode is possible and necessary after the DepEd assured the public that face to face learning is not an option for this school year.

“While the President gives his go signal for a blended’ schooling, this will only be finalized when the public is assured of the capacity of the system for remote learning and after the scientific assessment of COVID-19 situation in the country prior to August 24,” Basas, who participated in House hearing last week said.

The bill if signed into law will maintain the preference for the current school calendar but would empower the President, upon the recommendation of the DepEd Secretary to set a different date for the start of the school year in the country of parts of it.

“In the event that Congress approves this proposal, it would not necessarily stop the scheduled school opening on August, but rather it would give prerogative to the President of the Education Secretary to decide on the date of school opening for future emergencies or any fortuitous event that would make schooling impractical. With or without this pandemic, the law would still be relevant,” Basas ended.

The TDC, citing studies from UP Resilience Institute that the safe school opening is after December 2020 and the obvious lack of infrastructure and capacity of school system for distance learning agreed that the school year 2020-2021 opening may be moved to January 2021.

Press Release

[Statement] TDC reaction on teachers’ June 1 tasks and opening of SY 2020-2021

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC). Photo by Arnel Tuazon

TDC reaction on teachers’ June 1 tasks and opening of SY 2020-2021

Like what we have said in the past, as long as the safety of school personnel and learners is ensured, our teachers will gladly comply. They are patiently doing different tasks- virtual and physical even during the Community Quarantine period and they are more than willing to take the online tasks expected of them beginning Monday, June 1. As to the August 24 opening, we still consider it tentative. The events prior to said date- like the local executives’ calls for further delay backed by some legislators’ proposal and the unpredictable pandemic situation will be decisive. But we hope that we are all safe and the system is ready by then.

Reference:
Benjo Basas
TDC National Chairperson
0927-3356375

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Statement

[Statement] TDC Reaction on Senate Education Committee Inquiry on COVID-19 Impact

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC). Photo by Arnel Tuazon

TDC Reaction on Senate Education Committee Inquiry on COVID-19 Impact

“The inquiry proposed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is an appropriate step. We need to know the impact of COVID-19 to education sector so we could properly analyze and take the necessary response. In formulating policies to cope with the ‘new normal’ we have to consider everything, including the socio-economic conditions of our learners and their families. The outcome of this Senate initiative could also guide the DepEd and the IATF when they finally decide on the date of school opening.”

Reference:
Benjo Basas

TDC National Chairperson

0927-3356375

Statement

[Statement] Reaksiyon ng TDC sa planong pagbubukas ng klase sa Agosto

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC). Photo by Arnel Tuazon

Reaksiyon ng TDC sa planong pagbubukas ng klase sa Agosto

“Kinikilala namin ang hakbang ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon upang kunin ang opinyon ng stakeholders nito ukol sa pagbubukas ng klase, nguinit hindi survey ang dapat maging batayan ng desisyon kundi ang sitwasyong pangkalusugan kaugnay ng COVID-19. Ang mga ahensiyang pang-agham at pangkalusugan ang nasa posisyon upang magbigay ng pagtataya at rekomendasyon kung kailan ligtas nang magbukas ng klase. Nakahanda kami na suportahan ang anumang hakbang ng DepEd upang maipagpatuloy ang edukasyon ng ating mga bata sa kabila ng krisis na ito. Gayunman, kung sakaling kakailanganin ang distant learning, dapat matiyak na ito’y episyente at accessible sa lahat.”

Para sa mga deatlye:
Benjo Basas, Pambansang Tagapangulo
09273356375

Statement

[Statement] A call for understanding and compassion (TDC statement on the arrest of a Gensan teacher)

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

“While we do not condone any violent acts or statements at this period of national emergency, we plea for understanding and human compassion for our colleague. Apparently, the old lady may be desperate, perhaps not for herself or her family but for other people in her community. What she did was a response of a person who cares for her neighbors, albeit in a manner that may be contrary to our existing laws.”
-Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC)

A call for understanding and compassion
(TDC statement on the arrest of a Gensan teacher)

We are saddened by the news report that a public elementary school teacher from Gen. Santos City was arrested by the police yesterday along with her son, who is also a teacher. The arrest was made following a post in social media which according to the authorities is damaging and seditious.

The said teacher, last Friday posted this on her Facebook account, “CALLING THE ATTENTION OF THE GENERALS, MARAMING MAMAMATAY SA GUTOM IF HINDI TAYO MAGTULUNG TULONG NA IREPORT SA PANGULO NA NAPAKAINUTIL NG ATING MAYOR !!!”

After two hours, she again posted another statement that reads, “PANAWAGAN SA MGA WALA NG MAKAING GENERALS. SUGURIN NYO NA NG SABAY SABAY ANG LAGAO GYM. NAKATAMBAK DOON ANG MGA PAGKAING PARA SA INYO.”

The seemingly sarcastic posts allegedly prompted the LGU legal office to file a complaint which eventually leads to her arrest. The son, a 33-year old teacher tried to defend her mother was arrested too.

While we do not condone any violent acts or statements at this period of national emergency, we plea for understanding and human compassion for our colleagues. Apparently, the old lady may be desperate, perhaps not for herself or her family but for other people in her community. What she did was a response of a person who cares for her neighbors, albeit in a manner that may be contrary to our existing laws.

We call on the honorable mayor of General Santos City and the city police as well as the Department of Justice to be more understanding and exercise human compassion. We stand by the earlier pronouncement of Hon. Menardo Guevarra, the good secretary of justice that “During abnormal times like these, when people are prone to commit mistakes or violations of the law, the DOJ will temper the rigor of the law with human compassion.” And we believe that this applies also to an ordinary classroom teacher and not just to a sitting senator, they are both humans, after all.

May this incident also serve as a reminder to our leaders, especially to our local government units to expedite the delivery of assistance to their respective jurisdictions. An open communication system with the communities would also help so as not to develop unrest among the local population.

Lastly, we call on our colleagues in the teaching profession and in the general public to exercise prudence and sobriety amidst this crisis. # March 28, 2020
(Photo courtesy of Rappler)

Statement

[Statement] Salamat sa DEPED! -TDC

Posted on March 22, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

MAG-INGAT AT MANATILI SA BAHAY MGA KAGURO,

TUMULONG TAYO SAIBA SA ABOT NG MAKAKAYA!

Sa ganitong panahon ng krisis, napakahalagang maging handa, ingatan ang sarili at pamilya at maging instrumento ng pagtulong sa kapwa.

Mapalad pa rin tayong mga guro sapagkat may inaasahan tayong suweldo, pati na mga ilan pang benepisyo na maaari nating magamit upang makatawid sa kinakaharap na krisis. Makatutulong rin ito upang magkaroon tayo ng pagkakataong tumulong rin sa iba.

Dahil mapapaaga ang sahod para sa buwan ng Marso at Abril, mayroon tayong salapi habang nasa ECQ ang buong Luzon. Gayunman, kailangan pa ring magtipid sapagkat hindi natin tiyak kung hanggang saan aabot ang krisis na ito.

Bagamat wala pang katiyakang maipagkakaloob, hiniling na rin ng DepEd ang reconsideration para sa performance-based bonus (PBB) ng mga guro at kawani nito. Daragdagan din umano ang budget ng Provident Fund upang makatulong sa mga guro. Maging ang special hardship allowance/hazard pay ay ibibigay na rin sa mga guro na qualified dito.

Maraming salamat sa pamunuan ng ating Kagawaran sa mabilis na pagtugon. Tiyak na malaking tulong ito sa mga guro ngayong panahon na nasa krisis ang ating bayan. Dahil din dito ay maaari rin tayong makatulong sa ibang kamag-anak, kaibigan o kababayan sa abot ng ating makakaya.

Kung darating naman ang ating Clothing Allowance, kailangan itong i-save para sa mga posibleng biglaang pangangailangan. Hihilingin natin sa DepEd na ipagpaliban muna ang pagpapalit ng uniporme ngayong taon upang hindi maobliga na magpatahi ng apat na bagong set ng uniform ang mga guro at magamit ang pera sa mas mahahalagang
bagay, kung sakali. Makapaghihintay naman ang uniporme, pero hindi ang emergency.

Kabilang rin sa mga hinihiling natin sa pamahalaan ang mga sumusunod:

1. Pagkakaroon ng moratorium sa loan deductions sa GSIS at iba pang government loan facilitiespati na ang mga private lending institutions na enrolled sa automatic payroll
deduction system (APDS) ng DepEd;

2. Assistance mula sa GSIS (no interest emergency loan na may easy terms sa payment), kundi kayang mag-grant ng cash assistance;

3. Pagtitiyak na maibigay nang buo ang sahod ng mga private school teachers sa buwan ng Marso. Gayundin sa iba pang mga manggagawang kontraktuwal sa pribado na naapektuhan ng enhanced community quarantine. Hihilingin natin ito sa DOLE at sa pambansang pamahalaan.

Muli, salamat sa pamunuan ng Department of Education (DepEd) partikular kay Kalihim Liling Briones. Gayundin sa ating mga non-teaching personnel na sumuong
sa panganib maisagawa lamang ito para kapakinabangan ng may halos isang milyong kawani ng kagawaran. Sila ang ating mga sariling frontline workers.

Mga Kaguro at Kababayan, hangga’t maaari ay manatili po tayo sa bahay upang hindi na makaragdag sa mga iisipin ng mga health workers at LGUs at mag-ingat
po tayong lahat!

>Laging maging malinis at maghugas ng kamay

> Huwag magpakalat ng Fake News at mag-share lang ng impormasyon mula sa mapagkakatiwalang sources- gaya ng DOH at DepEd websites o FB Pages at credible news sites

> Tulungan po natin ang ating mga kababayan na umaasa lamang sa arawang kita, lalo ngayong hindi pa dumarating ang ayuda sa kanila

Malalampasan din natin ang lahat ng ito!

-Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC)
Marso 21, 2020

Reference:
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
0927-3356375

Statement

[Statement] Pahayag ng TDC hinggil sa suspensiyon ng klase at pag-oobliga sa mga guro na maglinis sa paaralan

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Kasunod ng kanselasyon ng mga klase sa Metro Manila at ilang mga lalawigan at bayan sa Central Luzon at CALABARZON, dapat matiyak na hindi na rin obligadong papasukin ang mga guro, lalo na kung ang layunin ay ang maglinis o mag-disinfect lamang ng paaralan. Kung pinoprotektahan natin ang mga bata, dapat ay gayundin ang ating mga guro sapagkat posible rin silang mahawaan ng virus na ito.

Hindi iilang paaralan sa mga nasabing lugar ang nag-ulat sa amin na ang mga guro ay pinapupunta sa kani-kanilang paaralan upang tumulong sa paglilinis o gumawa ng anumang bagay kaugnay sa kanilang mga trabaho.

Hinihiling namin sa DepEd management na agarang ipaalala ito sa field officials sapagkat ito’y alinsunod lamang sa DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2012 at linawin na walang obligasyong mag-report, lalo na maglinis ang mga guro. Marapat din na ipatupad ito hindi lamang sa mga pampublikong paaralan kundi maging sa mga pribado.

Reference:
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
0927-3356375

Statement

[Press Release] Teachers bat for free medical examination -TDC

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) thru its national chairperson Benjo Basas reminded the DepEd of its obligation to provide a free medical examination to the country’s public school teachers.

The group argued that it is mandated under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670), a 1966 vintage law. “It is clear that medical examination for public school teachers should be done annually, it is compulsory, however, the same provision of the law also says that it should be free and in fact, the law mandates that the government should pay for teachers’ hospitalization and treatment if found necessary,” Basas said.

Basas cited some field officials requiring the submission of medical certificate by the end of the school year but said that expenses for such will be shouldered by the teachers. According to him, it runs contrary to Section 22 of the Magna Carta which says, “Medical Examination and Treatment. The compulsory medical examination shall be provided free of charge for all teachers before they take up teaching, and shall be repeated not less than once a year during the teacher’s professional life. Where medical examination shows that medical treatment and/or hospitalization is necessary, the same shall be provided free by the government entity paying the salary of the teachers.”

Last year in a press release from DepEd, it declared that the government has provided an amount of P500.00 for a medical examination for each public school teacher for the fiscal year 2019. The said fund, however, was not released to teachers and they paid their annual medical examination. “That was supposedly the first time that the entire teaching force of DepEd will benefit from this specific provision of the law, after 53 years, but it never happened,” Basas exclaimed.

The amount of medical examination expenses varies depending on the teachers’ location, it ranges from P400 to P1500.

Reference:

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
0927-3356375

Press Release

[Press Release] TDC welcome Sablay, but teaching Philippine history is more important

Posted on February 29, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) welcomes the idea of using ‘Sablay’ instead of ‘Toga’ as a ceremonial dress for the end of the school year rites, moving-up or graduation ceremonies in basic education. The TDC agrees “that ‘Sablay’ is more representative of the Filipino culture and could boost the DepEd’s mandate to instill patriotism among the young people.”

Last week, the DepEd thru one of its undersecretaries, Alain Del B. Pascua released an Aide Memoire dated February 18, 2020, containing his proposal to officially use Sablay instead of Toga. Sablay, even before the proposal is being used in some elementary and secondary public schools in the country and a popular graduation attire among colleges and universities- the most prominent of which is the University of The Philippines (UP) system where Sablay is worn in graduation ceremonies and synonymous with victory.

While the group supports the proposal, it reiterated that there is one move from the DepEd that will surely help promote patriotism. The TDC said that “the single most important task for the DepEd is to strengthen the teaching of subjects that promote Philippine culture, history, heritage, languages and literature and not limit itself on the use of Sablay, which in the said Aide Memoire is equivalent to patriotism.” The group again asked the DepEd leadership to review the K-12 curriculum and re-include the teaching of Philippine History in all levels of learning- especially in high school.

Benjo Basas, the group’s chairperson said, “It is worthy to note that while the DepEd intends to promote nationalism through the use of Sablay, Filipino children enrolled in secondary schools do not have a subject in Philippine History. If the DepEd leadership is really concerned about teaching patriotism, loyalty to the nation and promotion of indigenous heritage, it should immediately require the teaching of Philippine History both in Junior and Senior High School.”

Reference:

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
0927-3356375

Press Release

[Statement] Reaksiyon ni TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas sa HB 4129 o panukalang 20% discount sa pasahe sa mga Guro

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC). Photo by Arnel Tuazon

Reaksiyon ni TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas sa HB 4129 o panukalang 20% discount sa pasahe sa mga Guro:

“Ang mga ganitong panukala ay dapat munang pag-isipan, kahit pa sabihing makikinabang ang mga guro dito aba’y kawawa naman ang mga maliliit na tsuper. Mabuti sana kung sa eroplano o barko na pag-aari ng malalaking kumpanya ang discount, pero sa panukalang ito pati sa jeep at tricycle. Magiging mabigat ito sa mga driver na napakaliit ng kita, halos wala nang naiuuwi dahil sa mataas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo babawasan pa. Dapat ibigay sa guro ang para sa guro gaya ng substansiyal na umento na P10,000 across-the-board at iba pang benepisyo. Ang pagkukulang ng gobyerno sa ating mga guro ay huwag singilin sa mga kababayan nating ang layunin lamang ay maghanapbuhay para sa kanilang pamilya sa kabila ng kakarampot na kita.”

Reference:
Benjo Basas, 09273356375

Statement

[Statement] Kung gusto natin ng de-kalidad na edukasyon, pakinggan at bigyang-prayoridad ang mga guro -TDC

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Nakapanlulumo ang naging resulta ng 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), pandaigdigang pagsusuri sa kakayahan ng mga batang mag-aaral sa Reading Comprehension, Science at Mathematics na sinalihan ng Pilipinas ngayon. Sa 79 na bansang kasali sa pang-78 ang Pilipinas sa Mathematics at Science samantala pang-79 sa Reading. Bagama’t totoong may mga detalye pang hindi maaring makita sa graph (halimbawa ay ang ginamit na wika sa pagsusulit), hindi naman natin dapat ipikit ang ating mga mata sa masakit na katotohanang bumababang lalo ang kalidad ng edukasyon na naibibigay sa ating bansa, lalo na sa batayang pandaigdigan.

Ito’y sa kabila ng napakaraming porgrama at polisiyang ipinatutupad ng ating pamahalaan, partikular ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) sa mga nakalipas na taon. Lalo na ang K-12 program na layuning ipantay sa pandaigdigang pamantayan ang sistema ng ating edukasyon. Pero bakit ganito ang resulta?

May mga ilan nang nagsabi, nasa guro daw ito. Marahil, isang salik ang guro, pero hindi magiging makatarungan kung sa guro muli babagsak ang sisi.

Ang lagi nating sinasabi mula’t simula, sa lahat ng Pangulo at lahat ng DepEd Secretary, unahin ang mga guro. Sa lahat ng programa ng pamahalaan sa edukasyon dapat laging ibilang o ilagay sa pinakamataas na konsiderasyon ang kalagayan ng mga guro.

Simple lang, gusto natin ng de-kalidad na edukasyon, aba’y dapat na de-kalidad ang ating mga classrooms- hindi mainit at hindi siksikan. Dapat din na de-kalidad ang mga libro- bawat isang bata ay may kopya at walang maling nakasulat sa mga pahina. De-kalidad ang mga pasilidad- may tubig at palikuran, kumpleto ang mga upuan, may faculty room at hindi sa CR. De-kalidad ang mga kagamitan- may smart TV, may library, may internet connectivity. Kung minsan ay wala tayo kahit kuryente.

De-kalidad din ang ayuda sa mga bata at paaralan- may mga non-teaching staff na mamamahala sa mga clerical tasks. May registered guidance counselor na naayon sa batas. May clinic na may gamot at school nurse. Para hindi lahat ng trabaho ay guro ang gagampan.

De-kalidad din sana ang curriculum. May focus sa mahahalagang pagkatuto, hindi congested at nakatuon sa mga bagay na magpapaunlad sa bata hindi lamang bilang isang indibidwal kundi isang mamamayan ng komunidad. Mahigpit sanang nababantayan ang pagkatuto ng mga bata, maipauunawa ang kahalagahan ng pagkatuto. Hindi maaaring pumasa kung hindi natuto o hindi nakakabasa. Natuturuan din sila ng dispilina.

Higit sa lahat, kailangan natin ang de-kalidad na mga guro. Matiyaga, dedikado, mahuhusay na mga guro. Kaya dapat gawing kaakit-akit ang propesyon. Ibigay ang sapat na pasahod at benepisyo. Ipatupad ang mga tadhana ng batas ukol sa karapatan at kagalingan ng mga guro. Magsagawa ng mga polisiya upang matiyak na nakatuon ang mga guro sa pinakamahalaga nilang gawain- ang magturo. Ipatigil ang mga non-academic at clerical tasks na kung minsan ay mas marami pang oras ang ginugugol ng teacher. Ibigay ang kanyang oras sa pagpapahusay ng kanyang pagtuturo. Maglaan ng badyet para sa mga epektibong pagsasanay na ang mga guro at hindi ang mga opisyal ang dumadalo. Gawing rasyunal at kontekstuwal ang pagpapatupad ng disiplina sa loob ng klasrum upang hindi si Tulfo ang maging lunsaran at hukuman ng mga reklamo.

Iparamdan sa ating mga guro ang pagkalinga ng lipunan, tulungan silang umunlad sa kanilang piniling propesyon kasabay nang pagtitiyak nang pag-unlad rin sa kanilang kalagayang sosyo-ekonomiko.

Sa huli, nasa apat na reporma ang nais naming itulak:

Curriculum- Magkaroon ng review sa kasalukuyang curriculum at magbigay ng focus sa mga mahahalagang kasanayan- reading, Mathematics, science, critical thinking, life-long skills, civic education. Pagtuunuan din ang polisiyang pangwika na ginagamit sa kasalukuyan.

Classroom- Tiyakin ang mga pasilidad at learning materials sa classroom at paaralan mula water and sanitation facilities, sports and recreation, library and technology-based learning resources. Matiyak rin lamang sa una na ang classroom ay ligtas at maaliwalas para sa mga guro at bata.

Support- Tiyakin na ang mga guro ay natuon sa pagtuturo at ang mga non-teaching related tasks at iba pang mga clerical tasks ay ginagawa ng ibang personnel. Mag-hire din ng mga SPED teachers, registered guidance counselors at school nurses.

Teachers- Bigyan ng sapat na sahod at benepisyo ang mga guro at ipatupad ang mga probisyon ng Magna Carta for for Public School Teachers (RA 4670). Bigyan sila ng ayuda sa kanilang gawaing propesyunal halimbawa ay patas na merit and promotion system, mga totoong pagsasanay, research assistance, privilege leave benefits legal assistance at iba pa.

Nananatili ang aming paniniwala na anumang polisiya ang gawin ng gobyerno hinggil sa edukasyon, dapat unang konsultahin ang mga guro. Sapagkat sila ang tunay na eksperto sa larangang ito at nakauunawa sa kalagayan ng klasrum at mga bata. At sa anumang ipatutupad na reporma, dapat bigyang-prayoridad ang mga guro. Mabibigo ang lahat ng programa sa sektor kung hindi nito isasaalang-alang ang kondisyong sosyo-ekonomiko ng ating mga guro.

Hinahamon namin ang liderato ng DepEd sa mga panukalang ito. Masasayang ang paglahok ng Pilipinas sa PISA sa ilalim ni Kalihim Leonor Briones kung mananatiling pipikitan ang mga batayang usaping ito. Ang edukasyon sa Pilipinas ay hindi dapat gawing laro ng mga ‘eksperto’ na paboritong gawing paksa ng kanilang research ang mga guro at bata kung hindi man kopyahin ang mga polisiya sa ibang mga bansa.

Reference:
Benjo Basas, TDC Chair, 0927-3356375
TEACHERS’ DIGNITY COALITION (TDC)
Telephone No: (02) 6920-296/ 0917-1138336
4443 BCL Homes, Independence St., Gen.T. De Leon, Valenzuela City

Statement

[Statement] TDC submitted its proposal to DepEd relative to the teacher-parent incident on live TV

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

“This incident only shows the vulnerability of our teachers to different forms of abuse. Thus we call on the DepEd to take measures to protect our teachers from harassment, intimidation, threat, violence, extortion and public humiliation. One urgent step is to hire dedicated lawyers to defend our teachers, both for administrative and criminal charges. Meanwhile, the spontaneous and unanimous support to a colleague, which is far more decisive and powerful than our demand for salary increase proves that indeed, for the Filipino teachers, teaching is not all about money, it’s about dignity.”

Reference:
Benjo Basas
National Chairperson
0927-3356375

Following is the letter sent to the Office of the Secretary Liling Briones.

——–

25 November 2019

DR. LEONOR-MAGTOLIS-BRIONES
Secretary
Department of Education (DepEd)
DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue
Pasig City

Madam;

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) commends your office for the statements in support of our colleague who was being embarrassed, humiliated and publicly tried and judge using both mainstream and social media. While we will never tolerate any wrongdoing of our brothers and sisters in the profession, we will defend their right to due process as enshrined not just in the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, but in the Philippine Constitution as well.

Thus, we would like to respectfully submit the following proposals for the consideration of the Department and further recommendation to the proper agencies and policy-making bodies:

1. Reduction of class size to a maximum of 30 students per classroom;

2. Provision of sick and vacation leave benefits for classroom teachers;

3. Creation of more SPED centers and hiring of SPED teachers based on the needs;

4. Professionalization of school guidance and counseling system and hiring of registered guidance counselors with a salary grade based on their qualification;

5. Institutionalization of alternative school discipline policies agreed by school administrators, teachers, parents and learners;

6. Amendment of certain penal provisions of RA 7610;

7. Protection of teachers from harassment, intimidation, physical threat, extortion and media sensationalization;

8. Hiring of dedicated lawyers for the defense of public school teachers facing administrative and criminal charges;

9. Massive and substantial training on Positive Discipline approach; and

10. Review of the DepEd Child Protection Policy and crafting of for the protection of our teachers as well.

We believe that these proposals will help to put an end to the so-called public-shaming suffered by our teachers. Should you find this letter worthy of consideration, we will be more than willing to sit in a meeting to present our ideas as well as share our experiences on the matter.

Thank you very much and we anticipate your most favorable response!

For teachers’ dignity,

(SGD)
BENJO G. BASAS
National Chairperson

Statement

[Press Release] TDC proposes solutions to ‘teacher-shaming’

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) proposes several measures to end “teacher-shaming” as they welcome the Department of Education (DepEd) investigation on the incident involving a Manila public school teacher being embarrassed on a live TV. Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson said, “This and other incidents should be taken seriously by the DepEd. We call on our Secretary Leonor Briones to make necessary steps to protect and defend our teachers as well.”

The said incident which has become viral for several days now is the cause of a spontaneous and unanimous fury of public school teachers with netizens on their side. In an episode entitled “Mommy, Ipina-Tulfo ang Pasaway na Teacher ng Kanyang Anak!” aired last Monday, November 18, the host acted on a complaint of a grandmother against the teacher of her grandchild for allegedly shaming and hurting the pupil. The child’s parents also appeared on the show where they repeatedly asked for justice thru the revocation of the teacher’s license to teach. The host agreed with the parents and even said that the child may suffer trauma. He then called the teacher and made a live phone patch conversation. At the end of the interview, the host gave the teacher the options- either she voluntarily gives up her job and licenses to teach or face the consequence of prison term because of child abuse. The poor teacher readily agreed.

Yesterday, Mr. Raffy Tulfo the host of that hugely popular TV 5 program Raffy Tulfo in Action made some ‘apologetic’ statements and said that he will no longer pursue the case and will just facilitate the settlement of both parties. According to our sources from the teacher’s school in Manila, the teacher and the child’s mother have already settled their dispute after a meeting with some DepEd-Manila officials also yesterday, without the presence of media people.

It may be the end of the story for the mother and the teacher. But the TDC said that the incident is no isolated. “In many circumstances, teachers accused of violation of children’s rights have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, extortion, physical threat and some kind of media sensationalization. Teachers are often left in a disadvantaged position whenever a case is filed against them. Legal assistance, especially those of private lawyers is not readily available for teachers. In some cases, teachers are forced to enter into an unfair settlement or worse, resign or face the court battle.” Basas explained.

He continued, “In light of this issue, we would like to reiterate that teachers, in general, would never want to cause any harm- physically, emotionally or mentally to the children. The main duty of our teachers is to teach and the teaching environment should be conducive. Thus, some sort of discipline is necessary.”

However, the group said that teachers are subjected to many regulations that are used or misused against them. “We have the RA 7610, the DepEd Child Protection Policy and other laws which we recognize and respect. Unfortunately, these laws are used to harass, threaten and intimidate the helpless teachers and in some cases, extort money from them.” Basas exclaimed.

The TDC, Basas said denounces old ways of disciplining children, particularly physical, verbal and psychological punishment especially in a teaching-learning situations and regard these methods of imposing discipline as outdated and ineffective.

“As teachers, we want to ensure the welfare of schoolchildren, but it should not be at our expense. We have to take into consideration all the factors in school situation.” He added.

The group then listed some of its recommendations for the consideration of the DepEd and other policy-making bodies:

• Reduction of class size to a maximum of 30 students per classroom;

• Provision of sick and vacation leave benefits for classroom teachers;

• Creation of more SPED centers and hiring of SPED teachers based on the needs;

• Professionalization of school guidance and counseling system and hiring of registered guidance counselors with higher salary grade based on their qualification;

• Institutionalization of alternative school discipline policies agreed by parents, teachers, and learners;

• Amendment of certain penal provisions of RA 7610 especially in the school setting;

• Protection of teachers from harassment, intimidation, physical threat, extortion, media sensationalization and assigning of a defense lawyer for public school teachers facing criminal charges;

• Review of the DepEd Child Protection Policy and crafting of another policy to protect the teachers as well.

TDC asks the policy-makers to ensure that no teacher will be put in a disadvantaged situation should they make any policy for the welfare of children. “We must, at all times be sure that the rights and welfare of teachers be protected in the same weight as we protect the children.” Basas continued.

Lastly, the group calls on Sen. Angara to withdraw his proposal and start discussing the issues with the teacher sector, one of his major political bases last elections.

“We still believe that he is for the education sector. We hope that he would immediately withdraw this bill and put the welfare of teachers- the heart of education in paramount consideration.” Basas ended. #

Reference: Benjo Basas, 09273356375

https://www.facebook.com/teachers.dignity/