The move of the Department of Education (DepED) asking teachers to cut their social media ties with learners is nothing but “ironic” and questionable, a group of education workers said on Saturday, Nov. 5.
For the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines, the DepED Order No. 29 --- which prohibits teachers from communicating with learners through social media --- is considered “ironic” since DepED itself “pushed” teachers to exploit social media platforms during distance learning.
“In the absence of ample technological support for distance learning, the DepEd itself promoted and lauded the use of Facebook messenger as platform for synchronous and asynchronous instruction,” ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.
He pointed out that in the government’s failure to provide devices and internet support, DepED encouraged teachers and learners to use their smartphones and free data to facilitate remote learning.
“Isn't it ironic that now they think doing such is unprofessional?" Quetua asked.
The DO No. 49, signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, amended DepEd Order No. 47 series of 2022 or the “Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services.”
DepED issued the amendment further “strengthen professionalism” within the department and to “integrate it in all areas of work and practice” within the agency.
The said order included additional provisions on employment and personnel relations, as well as the responsible use of social media.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/04/friends-no-more-deped-tells-personnel-not-to-befriend-students-outside-the-school-setting/
Meanwhile, ACT also expressed doubt that banning social media communications between teachers and learners can “curb sexual harassment.”
Duterte, in an interview on Nov. 4, said that there should be a “line” between teachers and learners. In the past, she noted that some teachers and students have become involved in several untoward "incidents."
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/08/deped-files-formal-charges-vs-5-cavite-teachers-accused-of-sexual-harassment/ “Sexual predators have been present even before the advent of internet and they find ways to victimize their prey,” Quetua said.
For ACT, it would be of better help if the DepED would “strengthen programs” aimed at raising awareness about sexual harassment.
Aside from avoiding “relationships, interaction, and communication, including following social media with learners outside of the school setting, except if they are relatives,” DepED officials and personnel were also directed to raise issues or concerns regarding basic education through formal and appropriate channels.
DepED officials and personnel were also told to avoid online attacks against each other nor “disparage” the department to protect the agency’s reputation and honor.
The group also slammed DepED’s directive to ban social media communications with learners and the “gag order” in expressing their issues in any avenue other than writing to their superiors.
Quetua alleged that DepEd order 49 is “more aimed at protecting the image of the agency and the secretary from public criticisms for its failure to address” the issues and concerns on basic education.
“In the guise of promoting professionalism, it is restricting the teachers’ use of social media and mass media, as well as other democratic spaces to contain issues that can hurt their image,” Quetua said.
For ACT, the DO 49 “targets to further limit our teachers’ access to avenues for airing out our grievances.”
Quetua said that ACT has written “many times” to Duterte’s office to express their concerns and request for dialogues.
“What we got is one curt response merely acknowledging receipt of our letters but our requests for meetings have remained unheeded, while we have received no invitation to any stakeholders’ consultation that they have allegedly conducted,” Quetua added.
RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/04/new-deped-issuance-promoting-professionalism-threatens-rights-of-personnel-group-says/