DepEd: Localization law affects quality of education
“WE are not hiring the best teachers.”
This was the sentiment expressed by a school superintendent when asked to assess the quality of education in the country.
Pangasinan II schools division Superintendent Viraluz Raguindin, speaking in a media forum last week, said the localization law is one of the issues that affect efforts to improve the quality of education in the country.
The localization law gives priority to applicants from the barangay where teaching positions are open.
“This,” she said, “ hinders the Department of Education (DepEd) from hiring the ‘best teachers’.
“Magagalit nga ang barangay captain pag sinunod yong ranking ng mga applicants at hindi yong tagaroon sa kanila ang na-hire,” Raguindi said.
Ideally, the most qualified should be given priority, she explained.
Assistant Superintendent Sheila Sison of Pangasinan I agreed, but clarified that anyone from those in the ranking list is qualified for the job.
Raguindin recommended a more liberal application of the law to cover a wider area.
“Mas maganda kung per district or per town na lang yong application ng localization law,” she said.
2 DIVISIONS
Meanwhile, Sison, now officer-in-charge of Pangasinan I with Dr. Aurora Domingo on leave, said the size of a school division does not really matter when measuring capabilities in sports, academic and other tournaments.
There have been suggestions that the province field a single delegation in the Ilocos Region Athletic Association (IRAA) meet to have a better chance of winning as had been in the past when Pangasinan, then under one division, dominated the field.
The two education officials noted that smaller division like Ilocos Norte and Laoag City have been excelling not only in IRAA meets but also in journalism contests.
Both Sison and Raguindin said what is more important is getting the full support of the local government units and other groups.
Pangasinan two school divisions owing to the large population in the province.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
