EDUCATION Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio praised the dedication of teachers amid the firestorm triggered by the statement of Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo against teachers.

Teachers hit Tulfo for saying that he does not want teachers involved in the distribution of cash aid to students because they might favor some individuals.

“Our public school teachers have always been models of professionalism, and their dedication and commitment to public service go beyond self-interest,” Duterte-Carpio said.

“Hindi po matatawaran ang sakripisyo ng ating mga guro at nasa kanilang mga kamay ang responsibilidad para gabayan ang ating mga mag-aaral para matuto at maabot nila ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay,” she added.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers slammed Tulfo for his “irresponsible” statement.

“Isa itong napaka-iresponsableng pahayag mula sa iresponsableng opisyal na utak ng palpak na sistema ng pamamahagi ng ayuda para sa mga estudyante,” ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.

“Parang sinasabi niyang mandaraya ang mga guro at nagbibigay ng pabor sa mga kamag-anak. Eh wala naman kaming kontrol sa mga programa na ‘yan kung sakali, we only facilitate and work based on the policies,” Teachers’ Dignity Coalition Chairperson Benjo Basas said.