A federation of teachers criticized the Department of Education (DepEd) for insisting to achieve the competencies it has set for students this school year without taking into consideration the challenges faced by many Filipino families amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Obviously, the competencies that DepEd required are not realistically achievable under the limitations imposed by the pandemic and in the absence of important interventions,” said Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Secretary General Raymond Basilio.

ACT also criticized DepEd’s “single-minded pursuit” to achieve the competencies it has set for school year (SY) 2020-2021. “It only frustrates our learners, teachers and parents instead of providing them with a relevant learning experience amid the pandemic,” Basilio added.

This week, DepEd officially announced the extension of the current school year wherein the last day of classes was moved from June 11 to July 10, 2021.

This move was strongly opposed by ACT, noting that extending the school year will only prolong the suffering currently experienced learners and parents as well teachers.

Instead of extending the school year, ACT said that the government should roll out a “clear plan” for the safe conduct of limited and voluntary in-person learning in low-risk areas.

This, the group said, should include installation of health and safety facilities, hiring of school nurse, conduct of health check and mass testing, strict implementation of health protocols, and provision of free face masks, alcohol, hygiene kits, etc.

The group is also asking for the passage of a supplemental budget. This, ACT said, will help ensure the provision for all teaching and learning resources needed in distance learning such gadgets and internet allowance for teachers and learners-in-need, adequate and quality modules, hiring of community tutors, bolstering of the TV/radio-based instruction, and relevant training for teachers.

ACT is also urging the government to ensure the provision of health protection and payment of just benefits to education workers.

This, the group said, should include free annual medical check-up for education workers, 15-day sick leave to teachers, hazard pay, medical fund for free treatment of education workers who get infected with COVID-19, overtime or overload pay.