School principal in Antique urged to resign
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY – Calls are mounting for a high school principal in Laua-an, Antique to resign for alleged abuse of power and mismanagement.
Students and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Laua-an National High School have continued their opposition that seeks the formal ouster of Venus Divinia Nietes.
STUDENTS call for the ouster of Venus Divinia Nietes, the principal of Laua-an National High School in Laua-an, Antique. (Courtesy of Balita sa Katawhan)
Around 500 students, teachers, personnel, and the PTA held a formal protest recently and called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to replace Nietes, whom they considered as a “manipulator” and a school leader that dismisses issues and concerns.
Laua-an Mayor Aser Baladhay has supported the cause and asked Nietes to step down.
Since the controversy broke out last week, DepEd-Antique led by Schools Division Superintendent Nicasio Frio and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Adonis Mosquera have taken some measures.
These include Nietes not physically report to the school and be on work-from-home status to quell any untoward incidents.
In a public statement, the DepEd-Antique said the root of the problem came from a rift between the teachers and Nietes.
DepEd-Antique also sent a pscyho-social team to debrief students and teachers.
The administrative complaint against Nietes is already at the DepEd-6 regional office here.
“Despite the incident, we ensure the parents, the learners, and the entire community that learning shall continue, enabling the MATATAG Agenda of promoting the well-being of learners, providing inclusive education, and encouraging a positive learning environment not only in Laua-an National High School but in all schools in the Region,” said the DepEd-6 regional office led by Director Ramir Uytico.