Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte at Lam-ayan Integrated School in Buguias, Benguet (Photo courtesy of Inday Sara Duterte Facebook)
MANILA – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte Thursday said no penalty shall be imposed against the teacher who went viral for scolding learners live on the video-sharing platform TikTok.
In an ambush interview on the sidelines of engagements in Cambodia as president of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), Duterte said she has already read the explanatory statement of the involved teacher.
"Sinabihan ko ang Regional Office natin na (I told our Regional Office that) there will be no penalties for the teacher. Just to remind the teacher that if she's angry, she has to pause," she said.
Duterte added that it is normal for individuals to reach tipping point.
However, the teacher could've paused and gave the class a break.
"Ang una kong naging reaction is tao lang iyong teacher. Lahat tayo umaabot sa punto na nagagalit tayo, lalo 'pag nafu-frustrate tayo (My first reaction was, the teacher is just a human being. We all reach our angry point, especially when we get frustrated)," she said.
Duterte, meanwhile, assured that interventions are in place in case a need arises for involved learners.
"Mayroon naman tayong psychosocial support para sa ating mga (We have psychosocial support for our) teachers. We have teachers that are trained for stress debriefing," she said.
To date, a public school teacher handles an average 25 to 45 learners per class, some 55, Duterte said.
Teachers' training
Meanwhile, Duterte said the DepEd may adopt Cambodia's strategy for the capacity and skills improvement of teachers.
"Nakita natin na pwedeng tutukan iyong kanilang teacher training program, reforms na ini-implement (We saw that we can focus on their teacher training programs, [and] reforms being implemented," she added.
She also lauded Cambodia's efforts in advancing strategies to realize the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ensuring access to quality education.
Besides this, the Vice President said she hopes to get the support of Cambodia for the SEAMEO's priorities, flagship projects, and international partnerships.
‘Ensure child’s dignity is protected’
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights urged DepEd on Friday to provide children access to safe education where their dignity is respected and protected as enshrined in the United Nations Conventions of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
In a statement, the CHR cited Section 3 (b)(2) of the Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act which states that child abuse includes “any act by deeds or words that debases, degrades, or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child.”
The same provision is adopted in the DepEd’s Child Protection Policy which also requires positive and non-violent discipline of children “based on the fundamental principle that children are full human beings with basic human rights.”
“Even in cases when reprimanding is merited, it is expected that teachers exercise professionalism, restraint, and use appropriate, child-friendly language,” the CHR said.
“It shall also serve as a strong message to those with propensity to exceed their authority that may not be seen on social media. Instilling discipline in children using positive approach,” it added. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)
