In Argao: DepEd probes ‘maltreatment’

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education has started looking into an incident in which a substitute teacher was accused of hitting her Grade 4 pupil in the eye with a wooden jalousie blade last Monday.

DepEd provincial schools division superintendent Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud yesterday sent a team to Langtad Elementary School in Argao town to investigate the report. Angtud said she also plans to personally talk with the teacher next week.

Angtud admitted that the incident will definitely affect the employment status of the teacher. One possibility is she will no longer get the chance to be re-gularized. She may be advised to seek another job not related to children.

  The 25-year-old female teacher, name withheld by The Freeman, was accused of hitting her pupil in the eye after the victim reportedly ignored her. She allegedly called the pupil in the class but the latter was apparently not listening in her discussion.

Angtud said the investigating team will gather information from the other pupils and teachers to find out the truth about the incident. She said based on the initial report that reached her office, it was not the intention of the teacher to hit the pupil.

The teacher reportedly threw the wooden jalousie blade on the wall but it hit the pupil in the eye when it repelled after hitting the wall.

Angtud reminded the teachers to control their temper and avoid using force no matter how stubborn the pupils maybe.

“As a teacher, ato oath sa office ang pagtudlo sa insakto ngadto sa mga bata, treat them as our own. Naa gyud patience. Bisan unsa pa kabadlongon daghan paagi nga di ta kapasakit nila. If di makaya, gawas sa room, ginhawa lawom, or let the guidance counselor handle it or call the parent,” Angtud said.

Angtud is expecting the investigation report next week. — (FREEMAN)