Teachers’ group criticizes DepEd’s new service vehicles

A teachers’ group criticized on Sunday the new service vehicles of the Department of Education (DepEd) as it highlighted the sacrifices of Philippine educators.

DepEd field engineers were assigned new Mitsubishi Strada pick-up trucks to be used for regular field inspections. According to a TopGear Philippines report, each vehicle costs P1,465,000 if bought at market price. Over 200 vehicles were reportedly purchased by DepEd.

The trucks, according to DepEd, will also be used as rescue vehicles of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council for emergencies.

“No school division office will be left behind, as we continue to gear up our actions, hold on the wheels of our goals, focus on our vision, and have a safe ride with our mission,” DepEd Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua said  during the turnover ceremony.

The purchase of the new vehicles however did not sit well with the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.

“Nakakahiya naman sa mga guro nating tumatawid ng mga bundok, maihatid lang ang modules,” it said.

(They should be ashamed from our teachers who cross mountains just to deliver modules.)

“Lugi pa sa pamasahe sa nakukuhang special hardship allowance, kung meron man,” it added.

(They are at the losing end in terms of expenses considering their special hardship allowance, if any.)

Teachers have been pleading for additional pay and allowances months before classes opened on Oct. 4, citing additional expenses they will incur due to the shift to distance learning.

DepEd had said it is working for the benefits of teachers.

Photo via TopGear Philippines