PASIG CITY, September 25, 2018 – Enjoying yet another high approval rating, based on the latest Pulse Asia survey, the Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirms its relentless and effective engagement with various stakeholders who continue to trust and work with the agency in the delivery of quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all Filipinos.

DepEd’s latest approval rating of 88% is a welcome boost from its rating of 84% – the highest among all government agencies – in March 2018.

The continued approval, trust, and support of educators and stakeholders across varying sectors in the country reflect the more significant millions that actually help the Department perform its mandates and achieve its goals – considerably disproportionate to the handful objectors from the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) staging a two-week picket at the Central Office.

DepEd has long maintained an open communication with TDC and other teachers’ groups in regard to concerns of the profession and the education sector. Over the years, several dialogues have been held within the Central Office and concrete responses to demands have been given by members of the Executive Committee and Regional Directors – contrary to claims that the Department refuses to discuss issues and resolve differences.

In fact and in practice, the ongoing series of consultation and validation workshop for the proposed career path for teachers, conducted by DepEd Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development- Human Resource Development Division (BHROD-HRDD), include representatives from TDC and other teachers’ groups.

It is alarming that to advance certain interests, it has become convenient for certain groups to conclude and insist that workload and clerical tasks are the root cause of conditions as complex as depression and as sensitive as suicide. It is disappointing that to gather support, certain groups must impose on the grief of families. It is disturbing that the path to reforms should be paved with acts of dishonesty and efforts to disinform by the very groups asserting to protect the dignity and promote the welfare of teachers.

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