ACT urges teachers, parents to report issues ahead of school opening

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Monday called on public school teachers, parents, as well as students to raise any concerns or challenges they face while preparing for the opening of School Year 2024-2025 on July 29.

The teachers group made the call as it launched its “Bantay Balik-Eskwela” hotline to monitor the situation of schools nationwide which are now gearing up for another academic year. 

“Ang tinayo natin na hotline ay magsisimula na ngayong araw na ito dahil ilang araw na lang mula ngayon ay Brigada Eskwela na and then a week after ay pasukan na,” ACT chairperson Vladimer Quetua said in a press conference. 

(The hotline will be operational starting today. The Brigada Eskwela will begin a few days from now and a week after that, a new school year will open.) 

“Umaasa kami sa mga guro, mga parentes, mga estudyante na i-ulat ‘yung mga kinakaharap nila na problema dahil alam naman natin sa punto de vista ng mga guro dito, alam natin na out of their pocket ‘yung pagkukumpuni, pagbili ng mga walis… At sana ‘yung mga magulang ay mai-ulat din yung sapilitan na pagbibigay dito,” he added. 

(We are counting on teachers, parents, and students to report the problems they are facing because we know from the point of view of the teachers, that the expenses for the repairs of classrooms and buying of new brooms come from our own pockets. And I hope the parents will also report if they have to give a fee for these.) 

Based on initial reports on the ground, Quetua said that public school teachers expect to face the same problems they experienced in the previous years. This includes the imposition of mandatory donations to buy new resources for the school opening. 

Those with complaints could reach out to 0956 913 0778 (Globe) and 0968 480 1168 (Smart); email actphilippines@gmail.com; or send a message to fb.com/actph1982. 

The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to implement the Brigada Eskwela from July 22 to July 27. This initiative usually involves cleaning, repainting, and doing necessary repairs in public schools to prepare them ahead of the reopening of classes.

Incoming DepEd Secretary Senator Sonny Angara is expected to welcome the incoming school year, with the resignation of his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, taking effect on July 19. —KBK, GMA Integrated News