A group of teachers urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure that security in schools will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of students and teachers in time for the opening of classes on Aug. 22 and the full face-to-face classes in November.
The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC), in a statement issued Thursday, Aug. 11, called on the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) headed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte as well as leaders of local government units (LGUs) to strengthen the security, especially in public schools.
“We must ensure the safety of our children and school personnel,” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.
“If the school or the DepEd cannot afford the hiring of security guards for each school, our LGUs can help or even deploy barangay watchmen in the school's vicinity,” he added.
TDC issued this appeal following a report that some teachers of a school in Camarines Sur were “robbed and even molested” by burglars who were able to enter the school premises.
“This violence perpetrated against our hapless teachers is deplorable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” Basas said.
“We call on our law enforcement authorities for a speedy investigation to bring the culprits to justice,” he added.
TDC said that it has been coordinating with the field officials but could not divulge details due to the sensitivity of the matter.
“Apart from the necessary sacrifices, there are also dangers that our teachers face,” Basas, who is also a teacher from Caloocan City.
“Our teachers should be on vacation right now, but perhaps with the amount of work that still needs to be done, they prefer to work in schools or are forced to report physically,” he added.
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