The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines has strongly criticized the Department of Education (DepEd) for requiring teachers to physically report to schools for the Learning Systems Reform Policies Orientation during their Proportional Vacation Pay (PVP) days. In a statement released on May 9, 2026, ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo described the directive as unnecessary, impractical, and another glaring example of ill-conceived policies.
Unnecessary In-Person Attendance
Bernardo argued that the whole-day, in-person watch party orientations could have been easily attended online from home, sparing teachers from additional expenses and inconvenience during what is supposed to be their vacation period. If the orientation is delivered online, why force teachers to travel to schools just to sit together and watch the same screen? This unnecessary set-up only wastes teachers time, money, energy, and school resources.
Amid relentless inflation and the worsening cost of living, compelling teachers to physically attend the orientation imposes additional personal expenses. Bernardo highlighted the financial strain on teachers, noting that their salaries and benefits are already insufficient. The so-called P600 allowance given to teachers comes with deductions and receipt requirements, adding to their burden.
Uncomfortable Conditions
Teachers from different regions reported highly inconducive conditions in orientation venues, particularly due to extreme heat and poor ventilation in schools and covered courts. While teachers endure discomfort in venues amid high heat index levels, DepEd officials speak of reforms and innovation. The irony is hard to miss. There is nothing transformative about policies that disregard teachers welfare and basic comfort.
ACT also disagreed with DepEd officials who reportedly urged teachers to focus and listen carefully to avoid criticizing the agency system reforms, describing the statement as both ironic and revealing. Bernardo questioned whether the department consulted teachers before approving policies and programs that they themselves will implement. The issue reflects a deeper problem in the department policy-making process, where directives are imposed top-down with little to no democratic consultation with teachers.
Call for Genuine Consultation
DepEd continues to roll out policies as if teachers were mere passive recipients instead of primary actors in education. Genuine reforms cannot be achieved through one-way directives and forced orientations. Teachers deserve democratic participation, meaningful consultation, and respect for their time, welfare, and professional insight.
We urge DepEd to stop implementing burdensome and disconnected directives and instead pursue policies grounded on teachers and learners actual conditions and needs. Reforms that ignore teachers voices are bound to fail. If DepEd truly wants systemic change, it must start by listening to teachers instead of silencing criticism.
