Press Statement: TDC letter request to VP Sara Duterte to reconsider the opening of classes to Mid September 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

July 14, 2022

TDC ENUMERATES REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED ADJUSTMENT OF SCHOOL CALENDAR IN ANOTHER LETTER TO VP SARA

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) today sent another letter request for a meeting with Vice President and DpEd Secretary Sara Duterte as the group appeals to reconsider the opening of classes. The group, earlier asked the Vice President to set the opening of school year 2022-2023 to mid-September in order to comply with the mandated school break and vacation for teachers. Duterte, however released the DepEd Order No. 34, s. 2022 last July 11 and set the beginning of classes on August 22.  

“Umaapela po kami kay VP Sara, kaya nga nais naming makapulong siya upang ipaliwanag ang aming mga hinaing. Batid naman namin na ang pinal na desisyon hinggil sa pagbubukas ng klase ay nasa pangulo ng bansa, kay President Bongbong Marcos, pero malaki ang magagawa ng rekomendasyon ng DepEd Secretary. Sana po mapagbigyan ang aming kahilingan para sa pulong-dayalogo at maikunsidera ang pagbubukas ng klase at least sa mid-September. Inuulit din naming na wala kaming tutol sa face-to-face classes, pero nais naming matiyak na magiging maayos ito,” said Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson.

Below is the full text of TDC’s letter dated July 13 but sent to the Office of the Secretary today, July 14. Last July 4, when the VP took over the DepEd leadership, the TDC also wrote the same request but for more generic issues in the education sector. 

Reference:

Benjo Basas, TDC Chair

09273356375

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13 July 2022

HON. VICE PRESIDENT SARA Z. DUTERTE

Secretary

Department of Education (DepEd)

DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

Dear Madam:

Greetings of Peace!

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) is a national organization of teachers formed in 2006 at the Philippine Normal University (PNU). Its main objective is to uphold the dignity of the teaching profession through policy advocacy, education and information campaign, and social dialogues, among others. The organization since its inception has been at the forefront of the country's education advocacy movement, employing both innovative as well as traditional diplomatic approaches. With the support of various groups and institutions, specifically the DepEd and its field offices, we have achieved historic victories in such a short span of time and continue with renewed vigor and optimism from day to day

With the issuance of DepEd Order No. 34, s. 2022 setting August 22 as the first day of school year 2022-2023, the teachers are appealing for your reconsideration for the following grounds:

1.   Classes for SY 2021-2022 may have officially ended on June 24, as of this writing, many teachers are still reporting to their schools for various tasks;

2.   Activities such as IPCRF/RPMS, EOSY classes (remedial and enrichment), Brigada Eskwela, Oplan Balik-Eskwela, In-Service Trainings and others are projected to be accomplished up to August or beyond;

3.   Being excluded from the sick and vacation leaves granted to other employees, teachers, under the existing Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules are entitled to vacation during school break;

4.   Teachers, after a taxing school year of multiple teaching and learning modes under the pandemic need sufficient time for proper rest in order to prepare them physically, emotionally and mentally for the coming school year;

5.   The physical requirements of our schools including the need for classrooms and additional teachers still have to be considered addressed;

6.   Factors such as public transportation and vaccination status of teachers and children are yet to be properly addressed.

The TDC is one with the DepEd's desire to gradually open our schools for in-person classes until it reaches the full implementation by November in accordance with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. We, however, would like to reiterate that the aforementioned important factors should also be carefully considered. Indeed, there were instances in the past where the school calendar was modified and the school opening was moved to a later date as the needs demanded. We believe that the current situation merits the same kind of prudence.

In this light, we respectfully request for a meeting with you to tackle this as well as other important matters at your most convenient place and time. May we also take this opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to your office and personally express our support to your leadership.

We anticipate your most favorable response. Daghan kaayong salamat!

For teachers’ dignity,

(SGD)

BENJO G. BASAS, LPT

National Chairperson