Respect teachers’ rest period: ACT launches ‘Bantay Benepisyo at Karapatan’ hotline
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines launched on June 5 a new hotline to monitor compliance with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) mandate for school break and address concerns about teachers’ rights and benefits.
The “Bantay Benepisyo at Karapatan” hotline aims to ensure that educators get their mandated rest period from June 1 to 30, as stated in DepEd Order 003, s. 2024. The hotline allows teachers to report violations and seek support during this period.
“Malinaw na nakalaan ang Hunyo para sa buong pahinga ng mga guro at dapat na walang anumang sapilitang pagpapatrabaho, pagpapapasok, o pagpapadalo sa anumang gawain o aktibidad sa paaralan sa panahong ito [June is set aside for the full rest of teachers, and there should be no forced work, attendance, or activities in schools during this time],” said ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua in a statement.
He explained that the hotline serves as a mechanism for teachers to report any issues related to their right to adequate rest and other benefits.
The initiative comes as the 2023-2024 school year officially ended on May 31. During the break, no voluntary tasks or activities should be assigned to teachers, according to the DepEd order.
ACT NCR union president Ruby Bernardo stressed the importance of ensuring teachers receive their 84 days of proportional vacation pay each year.
Bernardo noted teachers often do not get the appropriate credits for extra work due to limited service credits.
“Dahil kada taon napapansin natin na nababawasan ito at hindi naibibigay ang karampatang credits para sa mga kaguruan dahil sa limitadong service credits [Each year, we notice that this is reduced and the appropriate credits are not given to teachers],” she said.
Quetua added, “At huwag natin kakalimutang dapat masiguro na kung kailangang mag-report ng mga guro mula July 1 hanggang 28 ay dapat maibibigay ang 1.25 na service credit per day [We must also ensure that if teachers need to report from July 1 to 28, they should receive 1.25 service credits per day].”
The hotline can be accessed via mobile numbers 09569130778 for Globe and 09684801168 for Smart.
Teachers can also reach out via email and on Facebook. They are encouraged to include details such as their name, date, school, division, person responsible, and concerns or issues.
The ACT’s move highlights ongoing challenges faced by educators, including workload, overtime compensation, and service credits.
