Assemblyman Padate raises social justice for teachers in ARMM

COTABATO CITY --- Assemblyman Abol Alam Padate of the second district of Lanao del Sur has cited his viewpoints regarding the plight of teachers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during a recent privilege speech.

Padate, who is a member of the 9^th Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA), expressed concern on the condition of teachers, particularly those with non-permanent status or the so-called probationary teachers, who have served for 10 years or more.

“I rise on a matter of personal and collective privilege. It has often been said that the heart and soul of the ARMM is social justice. The ARMM was established to bring the government closer to the people. For so long, the Bangsamoros have been neglected, abused, and oppressed. We, as a government, have more work to do. Many of our brothers and sisters up to this day still live in abject poverty.  Hope seems lost for most. Therefore, it baffles me why we are doing otherwise, that instead of uplifting our people from poverty, we are contributing to their misery. I am referring to the condition of our teachers,” Assemblyman Padate said.

Padate said that whenever he goes around his district, teachers would approach him and request to have a dialogue.

“Here in Cotabato City, countless teachers have visited my office. Our social media page is also flooded with questions coming from them. They seem troubled after reports are going around that there would be mass replacement of teachers who have yet to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET),” Padate added.

Padate claimed that while he understands the efforts to improve the quality of education, he believes that there are many things to consider.

“Teachers with non-permanent status, but have served for 10 years or more deserve the protection of the government. Even from the perspective of a manager or supervisor, you do not remove an employee simply because of technicalities. Years of experience will always outweigh any examination. Competence is still better determined by track record, not test results,” he pointed out.

Reiterating that the heart and soul of the ARMM is social justice, he said:  “Everything we do here cannot go against public policy. Our actions should also be guided by justice and not legality alone. The number of non-permanent teachers who have served for more than 10 years is in the thousands. Most of them are also the breadwinners of their respective families. Imagine how they will be affected, not to mention that because of their status, they’re neither entitled to government benefits.”

Padate said he is not insinuating of changing the system by disregarding the LET examinations.

“All I ask is we retain those who are presently teaching now and have been doing so for 10 years or more. They deserve that at the very least. We have Muslim Mindanao Act No. 303 that supposedly protects these teachers. I am seeking for its full implementation. If there are amendments needed for its improvement, I would be more than willing to introduce such amendments,” Padate said.

Padate said he has spoken following reports of mass replacements.

“Our teachers are at a lost. They’re like wandering ships in the dark. Let us be their light in the horizon. Let us show them that hope is not lost. Let us show our teachers that they have a government that is on their side. A government that doesn’t stand still but moves for the welfare of its people,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)