The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday reiterated there is no single group that “officially and legally” represents public school teachers.
In a statement the Education Department said there have been numerous claims from certain teacher organizations that they “represent the views and opinions” of public school teachers as a whole.
“Furthermore, these groups claim these sentiments are in line with the sentiments of all our public school teachers,” it added.
DepEd said that this is supported by Executive Order No. 180, dated June 1, 1987, that employees can “form, join or assist employees’ organizations of their own choosing for the furtherance and protection of their interests.”
Since they have to be chosen by majority of the members of the organization, the DepEd issued a reminder to partners, education stakeholders, and members of the general public that “to date, no organization can make such a claim.”
Meanwhile, DepEd noted that while there is no single teacher organization that “legally” represents public school teachers, the agency has been garnering support from various parent and teacher organizations, national and local government units, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
“They too believe that the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) is the necessary response in providing quality basic education amidst the crisis we are facing today,” DepEd added.
As it prepares for opening of School Year (SY) 2020-2021 scheduled on August 24, DepEd assured that it will continue to “make the necessary preparations fit for the needs of every teacher, parent, and learner to ensure that education continues while also giving the utmost priority to their health and safety.”