Protest rally at Talisay school: No classes held as parents demand ouster of principal

At least 600 pupils of San Isidro Elementrary School in Talisay City did not report to their classes yesterday as their parents staged a protest rally outside the school gates demanding the ouster of the school principal.

The parents want school principal Velma Taboada replaced accusing her of alleged arrogance, disrespect to parents, lying, and other unprofessional actions.

Earlier, around 200 parents have filed a complaint against Taboada at the office of city legal officer Aurora Econg, and submitted a petition to have the principal replaced.

Copies of the petition were also furnished to city councilor Ritchel Bacaltos and barangay councilwoman Riza Bacalla.

Division superintendent Elsa Suralta, along with two officials of the Department of Education, went to the school yesterday supposedly to discuss with barangay and school officials about the matter but the parents instead shouted at them pressing for the immediate ouster of Taboada.

Sensing the arrival of the reporters, Suralta immediately left the school leaving behind the DepEd officials, and the meeting failed to materialize.

Taboada had locked herself in her office and did not make herself available to reporters who wanted to get her side of the issue.

Econg, for her part, said the local school board will investigate Taboada but urged the parents to let the children go back to school while the investigation is being conducted.