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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Teachers urge DepEd to hold dialogue before amending working hours policy

Teachers urge DepEd to hold dialogue before amending working hours policy

Published Aug 26, 2024 04:08 am

Concerned that the revised policy may overlook teachers' concerns, a group on Monday, Aug. 26, reiterated its request for an urgent meeting with the Department of Education (DepEd).

Teacher DepEd MB Visual Content Group.jpg
DepEd / MB Visual Content Group

The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) has once again requested a dialogue with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara to address the increasing worries among teachers regarding policies on working hours and the MATATAG curriculum.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/12/understanding-dep-ed-s-matatag-k-to-10-curriculum

TDC said these policies, implemented under DepEd Orders No. 5 and No. 10, have been the subject of “widespread dissatisfaction” among public school teachers since the school year began in July.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/28/dep-ed-releases-policy-guidelines-for-matatag-curriculum-implementation-for-sy-2024-2025

“We strongly believe that both orders should be immediately suspended, and class programs should revert to previous schedules until the necessary policy changes are made,” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas in a formal request addressed to Angara.

TDC also emphasized the immediate need to suspend the implementation of these orders.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/28/group-demands-immediate-halt-of-dep-ed-s-matatag-curriculum-find-out-why

Basas acknowledged Angara's remarks during a Senate event on Aug. 7, where the Education Secretary expressed openness to amending the contentious policies on working hours and the MATATAG curriculum.

Angara added that he recognizes the feedback from teachers, particularly concerning the mandate of teaching for six hours.

“These policies have unfortunately led to increased workloads and dissatisfaction among our teachers, as evidenced by the current class programs and the general sentiments of our colleagues,” Basas said.

The TDC also highlighted the backing from various DepEd officials and legislators who recognized the necessity for amendments during recent public hearings in both houses of Congress.

“It is worth noting that even some of our legislators have recognized the need to amend these rules,” Basas said.

Comprehensive discussion

Despite these developments, Basas emphasized the need for a more thorough discussion that considers the underlying principles, existing guidelines, historical context, and the extensive experience of teachers and school heads.

Basas expressed concern that any revised policy might still be detrimental to teachers' working conditions, potentially resulting in increased resistance.

“We hope that the impact of the lack of genuine consultation before the issuance of DepEd Orders No. 5 and No. 10 will serve as a lesson and be given due consideration in the formulation of any new policy,” Basas said.

The TDC reiterated its call for Angara to initiate a dialogue, ensuring that educators' “voices are heard” and that the policies enacted are genuinely advantageous for all stakeholders in the education sector.

RELATED STORY:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/16/dep-ed-eyes-more-flexible-implementation-of-matatag-curriculum

Related Tags

MATATAG teachers dignity coalition (TDC) MATATAG Curriculum DepEd DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara
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