TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of Education-Kalinga Child Protection Policy is investigating a teacher who allegedly abused two students inside a classroom in Tinglayan, this province.
In a video that went viral on social media on Monday, Sept. 5, the unnamed female Grade 5 elementary teacher was seen hitting the two students with their backs turned while working on a mathematics problem on the blackboard that could not be answered.
Dr. Amador Garcia, Kalinga schools division superintendent, said they have conducted an investigation following an order from the DepEd-Cordillera regional office and they have ordered the teacher to answer through a written explanation what happened.
"Even we were surprised and in disbelief because what our teacher did was shameful. Actually, we promote the child protection policy in the schools anti-bullying act and avoid the abuse of discipline. We have to balance also, let's find out the truth that happened here," said Garcia.
He said they will send the teacher’s explanation to the regional office and they will take disciplinary action if proven that she is at fault.
The DepEd-Kalinga, in statement, said “it does not allow any kind of abuse of children as a learning institution dedicated to protecting the rights of every Filipino.”
DepEd-Kalinga reminded teachers and non-teaching personnel to subject their words and actions to the highest ethical and professional standards at all times.
“Teachers, as public servants, must always maintain a safe and nurturing environment for students, free of physical, verbal, and other forms of abuse and discrimination.”
As we celebrate Teacher's Month, DepEd continues to strengthen its policies and capacity – developing activities to further advance our advocacy to protect our students against any form of abuse, it added.