DepEd: ‘Perennial problems’ in education still here, we’re ‘bent on resolving’ them

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is recognizing that “perennial problems” in the country’s education system persist and vowed that they are “bent on resolving” them.

In a press conference Thursday, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said no “major untoward incidents” have been reported during the resumption of in-person classes but longstanding problems in the education system such as inadequate school buildings and classrooms, and teachers with overloaded tasks “are still here.”

“Of course, we have to admit, ‘yung mga perennial problems natin, nandyan pa rin po. Hindi po natin iyan kinakaila, hindi natin isinasantabi,” replied Poa when asked if the implementation of face-to-face classes has encountered any problems.

(Of course, we have to admit that our perennial problems are still there. We will not shy away from it and are not putting it aside).

According to the DepEd official, they are doing immediate intervention measures to lessen the workloads of teachers such as transferring extra teaching personnel from certain schools to schools that need more instructors.

“We are looking, as per our budget, to hire more teachers dahil naiintindihan po talaga natin na may sitwasyon na loaded po talaga ang ating mga teachers. That is something we are bent on resolving,” Poa also said.

As for problems in school infrastructures and furniture, Poa said DepEd is considering implementation of shifting class schedules and fast-tracking deliveries supplies like desks/tables, chairs, etc.

“That will not solve everything. That’s why next year, sa ating (in our) budget, we are asking for more budget in terms of new construction, in terms of repair of classrooms, and in terms of school furniture,” he said.

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