AN organization of teachers yesterday said it will oppose any move by the Department of Education to extend their work beyond June 24, the end of the current school year.
Benjo Basas, national chairperson of the Teachers Dignity Coalition, said: “This policy should be clarified because we expect teachers to enjoy a two-month vacation between the closing and opening of school years; we have the right under the law.”
Basas was referring to DepEd Order No. 25 signed by Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan last June 7 that he said seems to ignore the two-month vacation of teachers.
The order requires some teachers to conduct “summer” or end of the school year classes for children with failing grades in two subjects. Children with low marks of 75 to 79 in any subject must also attend enrichment classes.
These two interventions are set to be held from July 24 to August 12, although the DepEd said it can be adjusted if there are increases in COVID-19 cases in some areas.
Basas said this will leave the teachers with little time to rest considering that classes for school year 2022-2023 are scheduled to start in August.
“Due to various requirements that include online activities, physical reporting, virtual and physical classes, clerical tasks and other concerns even in this time of pandemic, our teachers are now exhausted and badly need a breather to prepare for another school year.
Itong bakasyon na lang ang inaasahan sana ng mga guro pero mukhang pati ito ay kukunin pa sa amin,” Basas said.
“We won’t refuse work especially if it is for children. But the DepEd should also consider the welfare of teachers. And if there would be an exigency of service, the ready justification for extended work, then the provision of the law for overtime pay should also be observed.
That is clear under our Magna Carta,” he added.
Basa added they will ask for a dialog with Malaluan or Education Secretary Leonor Briones to discuss the details of the order set to be implemented by the next DepEd leadership under Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.
