Even before the controversies surrounding learning materials - which allegedly malign the Igorots - have settled down, the Department of Education (DepEd) is now being called out over another learning material which “wrongly” labels nurses.
Asked to comment, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio told the Manila Bulletin that the agency will look into it. “We will validate,” he added.
The viral learning material states: “Ang nars ang katulong o kasama ng doctor (The nurse is the assistant or companion of the doctor).” The said description did not sit well with some netizens who are accusing DepEd of “looking down” or “discriminating” against nurses.
While netizens are already calling out DepEd for the said material, it remains unclear if this is being used by the agency or has been approved by the Central Office.
It is also not clear if the material is part of a self-learning module or a supplementary/reference material - which is usually used by teachers at the classroom level.
The source of the said material is unknown to date since both private and public schools are currently using modules and other reference materials under the distance learning set-up.
Early this month, DepEd was also criticized for allowing the use of learning material which were “apparently designed and published to malign and discriminate” Igorots.
In a statement issued Feb. 9, DepEd explained that learning material which wrongly depicted Igorots was a “locally-developed document” and has already withdrawn from circulation.
DepEd also maintained that as a government institution mandated to protect and promote quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education, it “does not tolerate discrimination” in any form.
“Discrimination should have no place in our society,” DepEd said. “Our journey to ensure that our education promotes equality and respect for each other still has a long way to go and the Department is committed to do its part to eliminate discriminatory practices in schools and offices,” it added.
Meanwhile, DepEd urged the public to report any issues found in modules or any learning material through proper channels. DepEd said that validation is very important so the appropriate action will be undertaken.
For the process of verification, concerned individuals may send their reports to DepEd Error Watch which can be reached through email ([email protected]); text or Viber message (0961-6805334); Facebook Messenger: DepEd Error Watch (@depederrorwatch) and Workplace Chat DepEd Error Watch (deped.workplace.com/groups/616392985671470/).