MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday backed the position of the Department of Education (DepEd) on the need to prioritize classrooms over faculty rooms.
He cited the current lack of classrooms in public schools nationwide, prompting schools to forego assigning faculty rooms for teachers.
“Hindi kailangan ng batas para sabihing kailangang magtayo ng faculty center pero dahil kulang na kulng na nga ang classroom, tingin mo ang DepEd dapat pa bang pondohan ang faculty center, ang canteen, ang visitors center sa kada eskwelahan?,” Escudero said in a Kapihan at the Senate forum when asked about his opinion on the matter.
“Siguro naman sa prioritization, tama ang DepEd na ang dapat unahin ay classrooms para sa mga bata, he added.
A Facebook post of a teacher from the Bacoor National High School in Cavite made rounds on social media after it showed photos of a comfort room-turned-faculty room.
In response, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said it was the choice of the teacher to use the old comfort room, adding that the move was “dramatic” and “touching.”
READ: From old comfort room to new faculty room in Cavite school
In a statement, the DepEd also explained that the issue stemmed from the school’s decision to move to single-shift classes this school year.
With 7,000 enrollees, the school needs to convert faculty rooms to classrooms to support the new policy.
READ: DepEd assures resolution of Cavite faculty room issue
Escudero said once the classrooms are enough and there’s still additional funding for other things, that’s the time schools can give faculty rooms to teachers, as well as canteens and cafeterias.
“Kung sapat at supisyente na yun (mga classroom) at may pondo pa, doon natin isunod ang faculty center at ang canteen kung saka sakali o ang cafeteria,” the senator said.
Asked if the decision of the teachers to use an old comfort room as faculty rooms is right, Escudero said the teachers could have also used classrooms as faculty rooms after class or during breaks.
“Decision nila na sa CR (comfort room) pero para sa akin pwede rin naman sa clasroom pagkatapos ng klase. Pwede rin naman sa loob ng classrom habang lunchbreak. Pwede naman sa loob ng classroom habang recess,” he said.
“Marami namang options ang ating mga guro, siguro nangailangan lang na may lalagyanan sila ng gamit at nagamit ay yung inabandonang dating restroom ng kanilang paaralan,” he added. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)