Catholic group backs DepEd on class suspension policy

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) backed the Department of Education (DepEd) after it cautioned local government units against prolonged suspension of face-to-face classes.

The CEAP issued the statement following the controversial decision of Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones ordering the suspension of in-person classes in all levels, both public and private, in the province from Oct. 14 to 31 due to the possibility of a strong earthquake.

“The CEAP appeals to all local government units to exercise sound judgment and prudence in suspending classes. While the safety of our learners and educators is of utmost importance, we must also safeguard their right to continuous and meaningful learning,” CEAP said.

Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations legal counsel Joseph Noel Estrada earlier said DepEd must reassert its authority over governance of basic education amid announcements of extended suspension of classes.

Teacher mismatch

In an effort to address teacher mismatch, the DepEd, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Professional Regulation Commission launched the Teacher Education Roadmap at University of Santo Tomas.

A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies revealed that 43 percent of teachers are assigned to subjects for which they lack formal training or credentials.

Based on the study, at least 32 percent are partially matched (handling both specialized and non-specialized subjects) while only 25 percent are teaching in full alignment with their academic background.

Mismatch refers to the practice of assigning teachers to disciplines for which they lack specialized credentials.

Teacher Education Council (TEC) executive director Jene Focson said that the roadmap will include an alternative pathway to meet the needs of the teachers and aims to produce the right teachers who will teach in the early childhood and elementary.

Focson added that one of the priorities is to address the lack of teachers who graduate with values education.