Lack of teachers to hound Talisay school opening

CEBU, Philippines - There seems to be a problem on the opening of classes in elementary and secondary public schools in Talisay City this Monday.

Department of Education Regional Director Carmelita Dulangon got irked when Talisay City Schools Division Superintendent Woodrow Denuyo failed to appear during the dialogue with the Teacher Aide Volunteers.

Dulangon said the controversy in hiring teachers still exists in Talisay City which makes it alarming considering the opening of classes is fast approaching.

According to Dulangon, the concern of the TAVs is not just for themselves but also for the entire DepEd organization. Dulangon feared it might escalate and affect the parents and students in Talisay City.

"Naalarma gyud kay dili ra ni primero nga nahitabo kay gibuhat ni niya (Denuyo) sa miagi pang tuig. Sud sa 19 ka division kani ra gyud ang Talisay ang nahimung gubot," Dulangon said.

Dulangon added they called up Denuyo but the latter failed to answer his cellular phone.

"Siya ra gyud ang makahukom ani nga problema ug iyang huna-hunaon nga karon nang June 2 magsugod ang klase," Dulangon said.

Geraldine Castro, a TAV assigned in San Roque Elementary School, pointed out that she has been qualified for an item to be a regular teacher dated May 15 this year. However, until now Denuyo failed to give her an assignment order.

Castro said many of them have the same problem but lamented that they heard not a single explanation from Denuyo.

Castro is among the recipients of 56 new items for 2014. The DepEd National Office will be giving out another 46 natural vacancies which may accommodate all the TAVs.

Castro and more or less a hundred TAVs decided to send a letter to the Regional Office. They also met Mayor De los Reyes yesterday at the City Hall where a dialogue was held.

The TAV's salary is funded by the Talisay City government to assist the regular teachers. However, the city government is planning to cut off the hiring of TAV for other purposes.

Dulangon said she was disappointed with Denuyo since nobody could resolve the problem except him as the authorized individual to fill the items given by the national headquarters.

City Councilor Dennis Basillote, who is a member of the committee on education, said they really need more teachers to accommodate the increasing number of students in elementary and high schools.

Basillote said whatever is the decision of Denuyo, the TAVs should remain not just for their personal interests but for the sake of the students and parents.

De los Reyes, on his part, said they will meet with the city officials to study measures that will help solve the issue. (FREEMAN)