More groups endorse candidates for DepEd chief

The lobbying of candidates for the top spot at the Department of Education (DepEd) intensified yesterday as more groups began endorsing candidates for the vacant post of education Secretary.

In a statement, the DepEd said two national teachers’ organizations added their support for DepEd officer-in-charge Dr. Fe Hidalgo.

Another candidate for the DepEd top slot is former Western Samar congressman Eduardo Nachura, who enjoys the support of several educators’ groups.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco was endorsed as a candidate to helm the DepEd by several educators’ groups but has reportedly declined to vie for the post of Education secretary.

Former senator Eduardo Angara’s was also mentioned as a possible DepEd chief, but Angara has reportedly said he would not accept the post.

The militant Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Teachers Organization of the Philippine Public Sector (TOPPS) both recently announced their support for Hidalgo.

As this developed, Hidalgo called for calm and patience among DepEd officials and personnel actively expressing their support for various candidates.

"Let’s keep calm. We can rest assured that the President is on top of things. I believe she understands fully that the kind of leadership DepEd needs is in line with the sentiments we have expressed," Hidalgo said. "Let us allow her to decide the matter based on the best interest of our students, teachers and the entire education sector."

The DepEd said a joint petition favoring Hidalgo from the officers of different professional educators’ organizations within DepEd had been sent to Malacañang.

"The Department of Education, under the able stewardship of Dr. Fe Hidalgo, has succeeded in bringing necessary stability to the department and continued efficient delivery of its prescribed mandate. Her permanent appointment will ensure the continuity of vital innovative solutions that have been put in place to address the many problems confronting basic education," the petition read.

ACT chairman Antonio Tinio said their group supports Hidalgo because she is open and supportive to teachers’ welfare, salary increases for teachers and higher budget for education.

Regarding other candidates mentioned for the post of Education secretary, ACT expressed strong objections: "The consideration in appointing these (people) is clearly for political support. There should be no place for patronage politics in our schools," Tinio said.

On the other hand, TOPPS secretary-general Tarsela Farolan said their group supports Hidalgo because she has her finger on the pulse of the teachers.

Farolan said Hidalgo was once a public school teacher and has intimate knowledge of teachers’ issues and plights, putting her in the best position to inspire and empower teachers.

She said that, because of Hidalgo’s concern for teachers, these teachers are becoming more aware of their role in improving teaching and learning and are undergoing quality seminars for teacher development.

Meanwhile, Association of DepEd Directors president Sol Matugas reiterated and assured Hidalgo of the collective support of DepEd officials, teachers and personnel amid news reports of one unsupportive regional director.

"I think we shouldn’t make endorsements based on personal considerations," Matugas said. "A majority of DepEd officials and organizations support Dr. Hidalgo and we represent our constituency, especially our teachers and personnel in the field.

"Dr. Hidalgo is not the type who would seek the position for her own personal interests, but she has done so because of her sincere desire to help solve the education crisis," she added.

The Philippine Public Schools Teachers Association (PPSTA) earlier expressed its endorsement of Nachura.

DepEd regional director and PPSTA president Victoriano Tirol Jr. said his group’s support for Nachura to head the DepEd was embodied in a resolution submitted to President Arroyo.