Teachers demand dialogue with DepEd over controversial working hours policy
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) is calling for an urgent dialogue with the Department of Education (DepEd) to address concerns over new policies affecting teachers’ working hours and the MATATAG curriculum.
Since the start of the school year, educators have expressed widespread dissatisfaction with DepEd Orders No. 5 and No. 10 which were aimed at easing teachers’ workload.
In a formal request to DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, the TDC urged the immediate suspension of these orders.
“We strongly believe that both orders should be immediately suspended, and the class programs should revert to previous schedules until the necessary policy changes are made,” said Benjo Basas, the TDC’s national chairperson.
Basas pointed out that the new policies have increased workloads and led to dissatisfaction among teachers.
“These policies have unfortunately led to increased workloads and dissatisfaction among our teachers,” he said.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive discussion that considers teachers’ experiences and feedback.
Angara acknowledged the concerns raised by teachers during a Senate event on Aug. 7, saying that the DepEd would consider amending the contentious policies.
He recognized the feedback regarding the six-hour teaching mandate but did not commit to specific changes.
The TDC also noted support from several DepEd officials and legislators who have acknowledged the need for amendments during recent public hearings in Congress.
“It is worth noting that even some of our legislators have recognized the need to amend these rules,” Basas added.
Despite these developments, Basas stressed that a more thorough discussion is necessary to ensure any amended policy is favorable for teachers.
He expressed concern that new policies might still negatively impact working conditions.
“We hope that the impact of the lack of genuine consultation before the issuance of DepEd Orders No. 5 and No. 10 will serve as a lesson and be given due consideration in the formulation of any new policy,” he concluded.
The TDC continues to call on Secretary Angara to facilitate a dialogue to ensure that educators’ voices are heard and that policies benefit all stakeholders in the education sector.
