ACT TEACHERS Party-list Representative France Castro was alarmed at the number of teachers who reported symptoms of Covid19 or have family members who exhibit symptoms of the virus.

A recent survey conducted by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-NCR Union revealed that more than 55.3 percent of the teacher respondents had flu-like symptoms.

The survey also asked the respondents if they still work despite having symptoms and 84.7 percent answered “yes.”

When asked if they received any support or aid from their divisions or schools, 76.2 percent said that they did not receive any.

“These are very alarming numbers. What is the Department of Education doing to support our teachers during this time when many of their employees are sick? Do they even know the extent of the Covid19 positive cases among DepEd employees?” Castro asked.

“Nakakabahala na sa panahon ng pandemya, ang mga teachers na natin ang nagtaguyod sa pagpapatuloy ng edukasyon sa kabila ng kakulangan sa suportang ibinibigay ang gobyerno at ngayong sila naman ang nangangailangan ng kaunting pahinga at ayuda dahil libo-libo na rin sa kanila ang nagkakasakit, wala pa rin silang nakukuhang tulong mula sa ating administrasyon,” Castro said.

The lawmaker called on DepEd anew to implement a health break for areas under Alert Level 3 and to ensure adequate health monitoring of teachers.