The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Teachers Party-list has blasted the Department of Education (DepEd) for ordering the removal of unnecessary decorations in classrooms ahead of the opening of classes.
In a statement posted on August 19, ACT - NCR Union President Ruby Bernardo pointed out that all posted materials are beneficial, especially for primary and elementary students who are visual learners.
"This helps make our classrooms conducive to learning. Teachers invest their time and resources into this," she added.
Bernardo said that the latest order has proved that Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte "is not aware of the educational practices."
"Kung meron mang dapat na tanggaling hindi yung nakasabit sa classroom namin kundi yung dami nang trabahong ibinibigay sa aming mga guro na walang sapat na kompensasyon," she stressed.
Based on DepEd Order No. 21, Series of 2023, or the Brigada Eskwela Implementing Guidelines, schools must ensure that "school grounds, classrooms, and all its walls, and other facilities are clean and free from unnecessary artwork, decorations, tarpaulin, and posters."
DepEd also instructed schools to take down "oversized signages with commercial advertisements, words of sponsorships, and/or endorsements, or announcements of any kind or nature."
Last week, Duterte reminded teachers to maintain cleanliness in classrooms and get rid of unnecessary decorations.
