Teachers score NTF-ELCAC for recruiting COCOPEA as private partner

MANILA, Philippines — Private school teachers yesterday scored the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for recruiting the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) as its private partner academic institution.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)-Private Schools said the COCOPEA’s boarding in the NTF-ELCAC sets an alarming precedent, considering how the organization has 1,500 private schools under it.

“The NTF-ELCAC has an undeniable track record of rampant misinformation and harassment not just against individuals, but also institutions to hinder the freedom of expression of its constituents – from students and faculty to administrators and non-teaching staff – by disregarding their plea to prioritize their genuine interests,” ACT-Private Schools said in a statement.

The COCOPEA joined the NTF-ELCAC as part of its executive committee two weeks ago, a move that was met with opposition from groups of teachers, students and other education stakeholders.

In an interview with the University of Santo Tomas’ The Varsitarian, COCOPEA chairman Fr. Albert Delvo explained that their decision to join the controversial task force was intended to help make learning conducive in rural areas.

The ACT-Private Schools, however, joined education stakeholders in calling on the COCOPEA to reconsider its decision, calling the move “unspeakable.”

The ACT-Private Schools said the COCOPEA should instead focus on working with its constituent-schools in ensuring proper learning and working conditions for students and teachers, as well as protecting their welfare and rights.