In response to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s confirmation that no penalties would be imposed on the teacher involved in a widely circulated TikTok video, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines has urged the government to prioritize improved working conditions for teachers in public schools. ACT emphasized the urgent necessity for better conditions to bolster educational standards and address the persisting learning challenges. They highlighted the imperative of addressing resource shortages and backlogs in basic education, alongside advocating for fair and sustainable salaries for all educators.
ACT welcomed DepEd’s resolution to address the matter without punitive actions, emphasizing the importance of empathizing with teachers’ perspectives and difficulties. ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua acknowledged DepEd’s decision, stressing the significance of understanding the underlying reasons behind teachers’ actions. Quetua highlighted the myriad challenges confronting teachers, including managing large classes, grappling with inadequate salaries, addressing school deficiencies and juggling additional non-teaching responsibilities.
Furthermore, ACT emphasized the necessity of implementing effective disciplinary measures in schools, proposing the introduction of psychosocial training and interventions to support both teachers and students positively.
The Commission on Human Rights responded to Duterte’s decision by urging DepEd to uphold children’s rights to safe education and dignity as outlined in international conventions and national laws.
While Duterte’s stance garnered support from the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), the group emphasized the need for established policies to guide similar situations in the future. As discussions surrounding the incident persist, the focus remains on fostering a conducive environment for both teachers and students within the education system, with an emphasis on empathy, support and professionalism.
