Teacher's group appeals to Congress to postpone class opening on Aug. 24

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has reached out to Congress for the postponement of the August 24 class opening.

Photo credit: mb.com.ph

They mentioned health concerns over coronavirus and the evident failure on the part of the Department of Education (DepEd) in preparing for the Learning Continuity Plan through distance or blended learning.

The teachers group lobbied their concerns to Pasig city chairperson of the House Basic Education Committee Rep. Roman Romulo in a letter dated August 6.

In the letter, TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said that

while they support the DepEd’s position to continue education amidst the pandemic, they believe that the entire system should be prepared for this new normal, and that would include the capacity of the children’s family and all other stakeholders.

He also cited that there have been teachers who tested positive from COVID-19 after doing tasks in schools. As well as the learning modules that supposed to be the main tool of teaching and learning for this academic year remain unrealized. 

Many teachers resorted doing online fund raising or solicitation in order to cover their expenses for papers, ink, and printers.

With the stated problems and concerns, Basas said these should be enough to compel DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones to move school opening to a much later date, especially now that Metro Manila is once again under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until Aug. 18, hindering even more the needed preparations.

The group suggested that DepEd could conduct valuable teacher training and parent orientation, as well as work to strengthen technological infrastructure to better respond to this crisis. Bansas said, 

Much as we want to discuss these matters with the DepEd management, our appeal for dialogues were ignored for many times. Thus, we turn to Congress to air our grievances. We believe they will listen to us, 

Basas said Romulo has set a virtual meeting on Monday to discuss this while the office of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, his counterpart in the Senate, has acknowledged their letter. He added that they will also seek the support of other legislators. Around 30 TDC leaders will be invited to briefly present the general assessment and situationer in their respective regions. 

On Monday, a virtual meeting has been set by Romulo for a discussion said Baras. Meanwhile, the letter was acknowledged by the office of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, his counterpart in the Senate.

Baras also added that they have a plan to seek the support of the other legislators. There will be about 30 leaders of TDC who will be invited to present their general assessment and analysis on the existing conditions in their respective region.