Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte was urged to hold a dialogue with teachers and stakeholders to have a better understanding of the realities on the ground.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Wednesday, July 13, delivered a letter to Duterte who also sits as the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary under the Marcos administration.
“We call on VP Duterte to be more democratic and consultative in her style of leadership so that the problems in the education sector can be solved faster,” ACT Philippines Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.
The group presented the education sector's 10-point challenge which was signed by more than 100 teachers' organizations nationwide.
ACT also called for a dialogue with Duterte so she can have a “deeper understanding of the actual situation of teachers, parents, and students.”
Quetua said that Duterte has expressed her intention of addressing the effects of the pandemic on learners and reviewing the K to 12 program.
“Our teachers are in the best position to give her ground reports and an honest assessment of the situation,” he said, noting that ACT is “ready to sit with her to discuss these problems and propose solutions” to the challenges that confront the education sector.
ACT also urged Duterte “not to repeat the mistake” of the former DepEd leadership which was “out of touch of the ground realities and has formulated policies that are unrealistic and has further burdened teachers and learners.”