VP Duterte to local officials: Hire teachers based on rankings, not via connections or padrino system

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte gave warning to local chief executives about hiring public school teachers based on favors and patronage, where one gets hired based on political and family ties.

The quality of education received by the learners is hinged on the quality of their teachers… When mayors neglect the DepEd ranking and hire teachers based on patronage, the quality of education suffers,

she said.

Duterte was guest speaker at the 2023 League of Municipalities of the Philippines’ General Assembly, during which she reminded the mayors to hire teachers based on the ranking by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Kaya po kami ay nakikiusap na sundin po natin ang ranking sa ating pagpili sa mga teachers at hindi po dapat nating pinipilit kung sino yung kakilala, kaibigan, kamag-anak natin sa pagpapasok o hiring ng ating mga teachers sa Department of Education,

she emphasized.

Moreover, she also reminded teachers, principals, superintendents, regional directors, and assistant regional directors to always be professional and not take the side of any politicians. She told the politicians that teachers and principals won’t make them win the elections. Rather, it is their sincerity to the people that will get them elected.

Let us remain true to the call of public service, foster lasting progress within our communities, and carry on with the crucial task of nation-building with the utmost integrity and democratic accountability,

she said.

Duterte also asked the local leaders not to oblige teachers to participate in activities of the local government units (LGUs) because their focus must be on the learners and not on what’s happening outside their schools.