CAINTA, Rizal (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) reminds teachers to consistently uphold professionalism, integrity, and maintain appropriate boundaries when dealing with students.
During the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas program hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon, DepEd IV-A Regional Director Alberto Escobarte emphasized the importance of adhering to the laws and directives that mandate teachers and non-teaching personnel to maintain professionalism at all times.
Citing DepEd Order No. 49, series of 2022, Escobarte stated that DepEd officials and employees have been instructed to avoid relationships, interactions, and communications with students outside the school setting, including following learners on social media.
According to Assistant Regional Director Loida Nidea, the said department order aims to promote proper decorum, which includes key objectives such as non-partisanship, upholding professional conduct, and the prudent use of social media.
Nidea also reminded teachers who use social media for purposes other than assisting students to be cautious and mindful of legal guidelines.
“We all know that some teachers have many followers on social media and that some are earning from it. However, when it comes to creating content involving children, showing a child’s face is strictly prohibited without the parent’s permission. This can only be done if both parties have discussed it,” Nidea stated.
She also reminded teachers, employees, and other officials to always consider the legal provisions imposed by existing statutes, rules, and DepEd Orders, particularly regarding the responsible use of social media.
Nidea reiterated: “We have DepEd Order No. 49, which promotes professionalism in the implementation and delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services. This order outlines the guidelines that teachers must observe.”
Regional Director Escobarte, on the other hand, assured teachers that the DepEd and the government are committed to prioritizing the welfare of teachers, which in turn, improve learning outcomes in the region and across the country. (CO/PIA-4A)
The Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas is a weekly media forum program of the Philippine Information Agency, in partnership with the Presidential Communications Office, highlighting the programs, projects, and policies of the national government under the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.
