A TEACHERS’ group has demanded accountability from the Department of Education’s for its alleged failure to implement the policy on work arrangement for teachers that resulted in having its member infected with coronavirus.

The president of Teachers’ Dignity Coalition-National Capital Region (TDC-NCR) identified as Ildefonso ‘Nono’ Enguerra III was confirmed to be positive of the deadly virus. He’s a teacher at the Roxas High School in Paco, Manila.

According to Enguerra, about 30 of them were asked to report physically to their school on July 14, 2020 for the Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form (IPCRF).

The IPCRF is reportedly the basis of performance rating with DepEd for the modality of distance learning.

Enguerra said that after a few days he found himself quivering of fever and experiencing cough, sore throat and loss of smell and appetite, prompting him to proceed in isolation or home quarantine in Marilao town, Bulacan. He said that he underwent swab testing last July 22 and the result was released last Tuesday confirming he’s positive of Covid19.

Some of his co-teachers who were with him at the Roxas High School that same day have reportedly experienced similar symptoms.

The school has since been on a lockdown until August 3 for disinfection.

The incident was blamed by the teachers’ group to education officials who allegedly failed to implement safety protocols which include allowing the teachers to work from home unless very necessary for the compliance of blended learning.

The TDC-NCR said that physical reporting should be done only after proper consultation with concerned personnel and upon authorization of the Regional Director.

The DepEd, meanwhile, has issued a clarification on a memorandum signed by Usec. Revsee Escobedo and Usec. Jesus Mateo on June 22, 2020 which stated that work from home is highly encouraged for teaching and non-teaching personnel.