MNHS teachers deny being forced to sell in canteen
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
MALASIQUI—The teaching force of Malasiqui National High School (MNHS) denied allegations in social media that they are compelled to man and sell at the school’s canteen instead of focusing on their primary duties as teachers.
When The PUNCH reached Dr. Olivia Terrado, principal of MNHS, for confirmation of the alleged activities of the teachers, she said it is true that some teachers help in the management of the canteen including selling, however, their participation is not compulsory but voluntary and only during their vacant classes.
The allegation was posted by certain Marisel Pelayo in Facebook with accompanying pictures of MNHS teachers selling or helping in their canteens with a caption, “TEACHER, PABILI PO NG TINDA NINYO.
The post reads: Nakakahiya ang mga guro na ito dahil ginawa na silang tindero at tindera sa canteen ng kanilang principal. Dapat umaksyon dito si DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro dahil imbes na nakatutok ang mga guro na ito sa K12 at pag-angat ng kalidad ng edukasyon ay nauubos ang oras nila sa canteen….”
The post was shared and tagged to the Facebook accounts of different Department of Education (DepEd) divisions including DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro.
“We have helpers who are in- charge in maintaining and selling in our canteens, and not teachers,” said Terrado.
This was confirmed by Luis Mamaril, president of the Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) of MNHS, supported by the rest of the teachers.
Mamaril confirmed teachers volunteer to help in the canteen since they saw its benefits to the school after the parents and teachers decided that the school takes on the management of the canteen.
“Before, there were a lot of vendors inside the school and we noticed a lot of outsiders are also inside the school which made security difficult as well as cleanliness and sanitation”, said Mamaril.
Terrado said the teachers preferred to supervise the preparation of foods and drinks to be served to the students to safeguard the welfare of the students.
Since the PTA took over, Terrado said teachers alternately visit the canteen during their free time since and the decision was approved by DepEd officials.
“When we started handling the canteen, we were able to raise funds for projects for the school that cannot be supported by our budget under maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE)”, said Mamaril.
Among the projects funded by the canteen revenues were the 120- days feeding program, improvements of facilities such as roofing of front school pathway, purchase of television as requirement for senior high school.
Terrado, who said she felt hurt over the allegations of misconduct on the part of the teachers, pointed out that the income of the canteen is audited and deposited in the bank. (Hilda Austria)
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