Teachers demand proper implementation of DEPED’s Universal Kindergarten Program

The Universal Kindergarten program of the Department of Education goes full blast in its implementation starting Monday, June 13, 2011. 

“Last week, public elementary schools continued to accept kindergarten enrollees. Many of these schools now face the problem of lack of classrooms, teachers and other facilities. Due to unavailability of rooms to accommodate these enrollees, classes will be held in corridors, others in gyms and in makeshift rooms.  There are schools which will have four sessions per day at three hours per session.  This means that our teachers will be given extra load in some instances as they contend with a P3,000 to P6,000 allowance,” Ms. France Castro, Secretary General of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said.

“This is a disaster. What will be the quality of education that will be imparted to our kindergarten pupils?” Ms. Castro continued.

Ms. Castro further said, “As early as January, we warned the government about this situation.  We suggested that its implementation be postponed at that time.  Now that it has pushed through with the execution of this program, the government has the responsibility to have it properly implemented. He has to provide for the badly needed facilities and teachers.  This is a crisis situation and we demand that an emergency fund be accessed through the Discretionary Fund of the Office of the President to finance these shortages.”

“Education, especially early childhood education, is a very important foundation in the development of the individual. It is therefore essential that these kindergarten pupils be taught the quality education that they need and deserve,” Ms. Castro finally said.#

Reference: Ms. France Castro

                     ACT Secretary-General

                     Cellphone No. 09178502124