COMING from the provinces as a former city mayor and vice mayor of Davao City, Vice President Sara Duterte who is also education secretary knows only too well how the “padrino system” works, not just in the hiring of public school teachers but also of government clerks, nurses, doctors, technicians and other employees.
Local officials all over the country are pressured by customs and convention to provide employment to relatives, friends and supporters because of the need for votes during elections. Thus, the “padrino system” whereby an applicant needs the backing of a “padrino” who is close to the appointing power to clinch a job or position in government.
Last Tuesday, VP and Education Secretary Duterte warned local chief executives not to hire public school teachers based on favors and patronage, where one gets hired based on political and family ties.
‘The education chief hit the nail right on the head when she said
the quality of education received
by the learners is hinged on the quality of their teachers.’
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).
The education chief hit the nail right on the head when she said the quality of education received by the learners is hinged on the quality of their teachers. If the teachers perform poorly, the more their students will be left behind and the quality of education in the Philippines suffers.
The Vice President also reminded teachers, principals and more senior DepEd officials to always be “professional” and not take the side of any politician. She told officials there that teachers and principals won’t make them win the elections. Rather, it is their sincerity to the people that will get them elected. Such a reminder stems from the fact that teachers, etc. are important deputies of the Commission on Elections during the elections.
“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’s important message to the local chief executives is “to convene your local school board and evaluate the need of your local schools.” This will allow the national government to ascertain what the immediate educational needs of the localities are, and thus prioritize their release.
Putting local school boards to work is especially important in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where the poorest of the poor walk mountainous areas and cross rivers and streams just to go to school.
The mayors should welcome the Vice President’s timely reminders on the real role of local officials, which is “to remain effective conduits of socio-political change, economic advancement, and cultural development of the communities we serve.”
