THE DEPARTMENT of Education office in Kalinga, Mountain Province will investigate the alleged abuse of two students by a teacher in Tinglayan town.

In a video that went viral on social media on September 5, a female Grade 5 elementary teacher was seen hitting the two students on their backs while working on a mathematics problem on the blackboard.

In a statement, the DepEd said that it is committed to protect the right of every Filipino and would not tolerate any form of abuse towards students.

“DepEd Kalinga sought immediate and legal action from the DepEd Kalinga Child Protection Policy in charge to verify the issue. The result of the findings shall be forwarded to the regional office of DepEd CAR for appropriate action,” it said.

The agency also reminded teachers and non-teaching personnel that their words and actions must always be according to the highest ethical and professional standards at all times.

“Teachers, as public servants, must always maintain a safe and nurturing environment for students, free of physical, verbal, and other forms of abuse and discrimination,” it stressed.

“As we celebrate the Teachers’ Month, DepEd continuously strengthen its policies and capacity—building activities to further promote our advocacy of protecting our learners against any form of abuse,” it added.