QUEZON CITY, Philippines – It is unnecessary to conduct make-up classes on Saturdays.
This was the argument of a teachers’ group “Teacher’s Dignity Coalition” who called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to impose a new policy banning Saturday make-up classes.
The group argued that forcing schools to open on Saturdays is baseless because the “buffer days” in each school calendar are not yet consumed.
“Buffer days” are days reserved only for make-up classes.
“Nagkakaroon lamang nito kapag supposedly na-compromise ang tinatawag nating 187 days non-negotiable teaching and learning days sa ating mga bata,” said the group’s chairperson, Benjo Basas.
The group said it is not fair for teachers to work on Saturdays as they have other obligations at home which they usually do on weekends. They argued that they no longer have time for their families as they have been spending the entire week in school.
“May pamilya rin kami. Kelangan din naman naming gampanan ang mga tungkulin namin sa mga tahanan,” lamented Emmalyn Policarpio, a teacher at Gen. T. De Leon Elementary School.
Some teachers said their time in school on weekdays is enough for their lessons. If ever there are students who require special attention, they have their ways to address it but not necessarily during Saturdays.
“Kung maaari nga mas maaga akong pumasok para ang mga batang iyan ay mabigyan ko ng (time) sa pagkukulang nila sa lesson o para makahabol rin sila sa kanilang lesson,” explained Nono Enguerra, a teacher at M.A Roxas Highschool in Manila.
Though there are oppositions, some teachers expressed agreement with conducting make-up classes on Saturdays as it would allow them more time to focus on their students.
“It’s one way of sharing our time in order for our students to learn, especially reading classes wherein some of our students are really very poor,” said secondary Teacher Jesusa Macaraeg.
According to DepEd, it is not possible to abruptly stop Saturday make-up classes.
Education Undersecretary Jess Mateo said the agency does not want to compromise the quality of education that the country has.
However, he explained that the decision still depends on the agreement between the school and the parents.
“Sa guidelines natin, sinasabi lang doon na the school through the principal and the teachers with consultation with the parents and students should agree on the type of makeup classes. Hindi naman automatic na Saturday,” he concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Charlie Barredo)
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