A TEACHERS’ group called on the Department of Education to clarify its ordinance that will extend the work of teachers beyond the school year which will end on June 24, 2022.

“This policy should be clarified because we expect teachers to enjoy a two-month vacation between the closing and opening of school years, we have the right under the law,” Benjo Basas, national chairperson of Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, said.

Basas said that DepEd Order No. 25, p. 2022 signed by Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan seems to ignore the entitlement of teachers for a two-month vacation. The order requires some teachers to conduct “summer” or end of the school year classes for children with failing grades in two subjects. Meanwhile, children with low marks of 75 to 79 in any subject must attend enrichment classes. These two interventions will be held from July 24 to August 12.

“Due to various requirements that include online activities, physical reporting, virtual and physical classes, clerical tasks and other concerns even in this time of pandemic, our teachers are now exhausted and badly need a breather to prepare for another school year. Itong bakasyon na lang ang inaasahan sana ng mga guro pero mukhang pati ito ay kukunin pa sa amin,” Basas said.

He called for a dialogue with Malaluan or Education Secretary Leonor Briones to discuss the details of the order.

“We won’t refuse work especially if it is for children. But DepEd should also consider the welfare of teachers. And if there would be an exigency of service, the ready justification for extended work, then the provision of the law for overtime pay should also be observed. That is clear under our Magna Carta,” Basas said.