Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Some teachers 'compelled' to join DepEd's Nat'l Learning Camp, group says
Philippines
National
Some teachers 'compelled' to join DepEd's Nat'l Learning Camp, group says
Some teachers 'compelled' to join DepEd's Nat'l Learning Camp, group says
Published Jul 20, 2023 03:20 pm
A group on Thursday, July 20, reiterated its reminders to field offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure that teacher participation in the National Learning Camp (NLC) will remain voluntary.
(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
“There should not be any coercion when something is declared to be voluntary,” TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said in a statement. That is what the DepEd Orders on the NLC implementation state, Basas said. However, he noted that on the contrary, “many teachers have informed us that it is becoming mandatory in the field.” Basas also reminded the field authorities to respect both the DepEd regulations and more importantly --- the teachers' right to rest after a grueling and exhausting school year. “These tactics employed by some officials and the reluctance of teachers to join the program only serve to demonstrate two things,” Basas said. “First of all, educators do not see its necessity, and secondly, they place greater importance on their own health,” Basas said. Thus, he noted that teachers’ welfare should not be “compromised.” DepEd has set the conduct of the NLC from July 24 to Aug. 25. The NLC, DepEd said, is a “voluntary program” to be executed through different phases. It will be first implemented among Grade 7 and 8 students with a focus on English, Science, and Mathematics. DepEd said that the NLC will have three camps: Enhancement Camp, Consolidation Camp, or Intervention Camp and the participation of learners will depend on their specific needs. DepEd said that teachers' participation in said "camp-like" program is not mandatory. "Since the NLC entails the services of teachers beyond regular school days, they shall be provided with vacation service credits, certificate of recognition for teachers, and other incentives, subject to the availability of funds and guidelines set,” DepEd said.
(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
“There should not be any coercion when something is declared to be voluntary,” TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said in a statement. That is what the DepEd Orders on the NLC implementation state, Basas said. However, he noted that on the contrary, “many teachers have informed us that it is becoming mandatory in the field.” Basas also reminded the field authorities to respect both the DepEd regulations and more importantly --- the teachers' right to rest after a grueling and exhausting school year. “These tactics employed by some officials and the reluctance of teachers to join the program only serve to demonstrate two things,” Basas said. “First of all, educators do not see its necessity, and secondly, they place greater importance on their own health,” Basas said. Thus, he noted that teachers’ welfare should not be “compromised.” DepEd has set the conduct of the NLC from July 24 to Aug. 25. The NLC, DepEd said, is a “voluntary program” to be executed through different phases. It will be first implemented among Grade 7 and 8 students with a focus on English, Science, and Mathematics. DepEd said that the NLC will have three camps: Enhancement Camp, Consolidation Camp, or Intervention Camp and the participation of learners will depend on their specific needs. DepEd said that teachers' participation in said "camp-like" program is not mandatory. "Since the NLC entails the services of teachers beyond regular school days, they shall be provided with vacation service credits, certificate of recognition for teachers, and other incentives, subject to the availability of funds and guidelines set,” DepEd said.