Teacher says burning of students' notebooks, projects not deliberate

CEBU, Philippines - An elementary school teacher, who was earlier accused of burning the notebooks and projects of her students, denied reports that it was done in bad faith contrary to the claim of one of the parents.

Mrs. Angelina Langi, a Grade 3 teacher of Taloot Elementary School in Argao town said that it was never her intention to burn the notebooks and projects of her pupils.

She explained that she instructed her pupils to “clean” their classroom when she noticed that it is “untidy and not in good order.” Sheets of paper and torn notebooks, which, she claimed appeared useless, were allegedly scattered on the floor.

Langi added that because she was busy doing her tasks as a teacher, she failed to give prior instructions to her pupils to check whether the notebooks and projects have rightful owners.

It was only later when she learned that there were notebooks and projects owned by her pupils that were included as “garbage.”

Meanwhile, in a meeting with the concerned teachers and parents yesterday, it was found out that most of the teachers are disappointed with the way some media outlets reported the alleged “controversy.”

Mrs. Elsa Bacaltos, one of the teachers of the school, said that although she understands the sentiments of the parents, they were hurt by the way how some commentators have irresponsibly broadcast their “painful and insulting” commentaries without fully grasping the entire story.

For her part, school principal Liliosa Paller said that they are yet to receive advice from higher school officials and would openly accept whatever the decision would be.

The FREEMAN tried to reach Dr. Arden Monisit, Schools division superintendent of Cebu, for comment but several calls went unanswered. —    (FREEMAN NEWS)