To monitor the “true” on-the-ground state of school opening for school year (SY) 2021-2022 and seek responses and resolutions from the Department of Education (DepEd) on gathered reports, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Friday, Aug. 27, launched its “Bantay Balik-Eskwela Hotline.”
In a virtual press conference, leaders of the group expressed concerns regarding the safety and overall welfare of teachers in the coming reopening -- especially as initial reports indicate that stakeholders may yet again face issues similar to what they experienced in the last school year.
“Reports are already coming in regarding unclear and inconsistent instructions on enrollment processes; on still lacking protective measures in schools despite the threat of the Delta variant; on unavailability of modules for senior high school students; among others,” said ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio.
Basilio noted that many of these issues were already raised last year -- when classes re-opened for the first time under distance learning sans ample preparation from the government.
“We’ve seen how the quality of and access to education suffered, as well as the well-being of teachers and students, we don’t want another year of the same,” he added.
The ACT Bantay Balik-Eskwela hotline numbers are: 09614215053 (Smart) and 09674461266 (Globe).
ACT also urged teachers to maximize the hotline that will serve as a venue for them to air their woes and grievances --- as well as help provide a “clear picture” of the reopening of the school year.
Meanwhile, the group also called on leadership of DepEd and President Duterte to “immediately address” their concerns as well as the issues that will unfold in the coming days as school opening nears on Sept. 13.