A TEACHERS’ group “strongly opposed” the plan of the Department of Education to hold classes on Saturdays to make up for days lost to class suspensions last week following heavy rains brought about by typhoons Egay and Falcon in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“We have nothing to do with the class suspension. These suspensions actually distort our class program. We believe we should not be compelled to report for Saturday classes,” said Teachers’ Dignity Coalition National Chairperson Benjo Basas.
Basa explained that make-up classes due to cancellations because of bad weather were unnecessary as the school calendar already provided for at least 21 “buffer days” for such cases.
“Make-up classes, especially during Saturdays are not necessary at this point. The school year has just started and traditionally, we have buffer days included in our school calendar that are intended for sudden class disruptions due to inclement weather even local holidays,” he said.
According to Basas, teachers use Saturdays for post-graduate studies while some are barred to work because of their religious belief or use the weekends for family bonding.
“If make-up classes would be necessary, then we will cooperate. However, as in the past years, we are willing to find other options rather than imposing Saturday classes. Let us leave the weekend not only for our teachers, but also for our children and their families,” he said.
The group also asked the Department of Education to come up with a clear and uniform guidelines and the holding of make-up classes.
“As per previous DepEd orders, all schools are required to complete 180 days of contact time per school year,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.
“Field offices are given the discretion to revise their respective calendars accordingly,” he added.
The DepEd said make-up classes could be held during Saturdays to ensure the students attend the required 201 school days for this school year.