July 1, 2020 – There have been numerous claims from certain teacher organizations that they represent the views and opinions of public school teachers as a whole. Furthermore, these groups claim these sentiments are in line with the sentiments of all our public school teachers.

The Department of Education would like to remind its partners, education stakeholders, and members of the general public that there is no single teacher organization that officially and legally represents our public school teachers. This is supported by Executive Order No. 180, dated June 1, 1987, that employees can “form, join or assist employees’ organizations of their own choosing for the furtherance and protection of their interests.” They have to be chosen by majority of the members of the organization. To date, no organization can make such a claim.

While there is no single teacher organization that legally represents our public school teachers, we are proud to have garnered support from various parent and teacher organizations, our national and local government units, private institutions, and NGOs. They too believe that the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) is the necessary response in providing quality basic education amidst the crisis we are facing today.

Rest assured, we will continue to make the necessary preparations fit for the needs of every teacher, parent, and learner to ensure that education continues while also giving the utmost priority to their health and safety.

Through our collective efforts, we will be able to overcome the challenges that lie ahead for SY 2020-2021.

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