To provide free legal aid to teaching and non-teaching personnel nationwide, the Department of Education (DepEd) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday, Oct. 28.
During the ceremonial signing, witnessed by representatives from the DepEd Teachers Union (DTU), the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC), the partnership with IBP was formalized to offer public school teachers and school-based non-teaching personnel access to legal advice and assistance for disputes and other legal matters.
“We're happy to note that this legal assistance memorandum we're signing with the IBP will benefit not only our teachers but also our school-based non-teaching personnel,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said.
“So this includes administrative officers, accountants, clerks, and bookkeepers all over the Philippines. This will benefit not only the 800,000-plus teachers but also the 100,000-plus non-teaching personnel,” he added.
Another milestone
Angara highlighted that the partnership with IBP represents a significant milestone in DepEd's ongoing efforts to support teacher welfare—one of the directives given to the agency by President Marcos.
“Hindi hanggang puri lang ang binibigay natin sa ating teachers, kundi tunay na serbisyo, tunay na public service, at pag-appreciate sa kanilang binibigay sa ating mga mahal sa buhay (Let's not just give praise to our teachers; instead, let's offer genuine service, true public service, and real appreciation for all they give to our loved ones),” Angara said, noting that public school teachers will benefit from the expanded career progression and medical allowance initiative of the current administration.
Personal connection
Meanwhile, Angara highlighted a personal connection, mentioning that his father, former Senate President Edgardo Angara, held the position of IBP President in 1979.
IBP President Atty. Antonio C. Pido, Executive Vice President and Western Mindanao Governor Atty. Allan G. Panolong, along with other top IBP officials, welcomed the initiative, stating that it aligns with IBP's commitment to community service and support for Filipino educators.
Pido noted that under Angara's term, there is “great hope” for public school teachers that their compensation will no longer be a “hand-to-mouth existence.”