OFFICIAL STATEMENT - October 19, 2020

 

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

October 19, 2020

            Freedom of the press is a protected right. However, if the exercise of such right becomes injurious to the equal rights of others, then it must not go unpunished.

The undersigned condemns and opposes in the strongest possible terms the publication in the The Manila Times of an article entitled “Sack Briones, Duterte urged” written by Jaime G. Aquino on October 19, 2020.

            The above-mentioned article is false, unfounded and malicious. There is no truth to every detail relative to the alleged instruction by the Regional Office thru this Office to not use the DepED modules anymore.

            In the article, the writer mentioned that five (5) class advisers from Pangasinan I met with him on October 17, 2020 and told him that they were instructed not to use the modules following the alleged order from Regional Director Tolentino Aquino to the undersigned.

            For the record, the undersigned has not given any instruction to that effect. Neither did this Office receive any order from the Regional Office.

            In the October 9, 2020 episode of “Leksyon Pangasinan” aired via DWPR Radyo Pilipino Dagupan and Facebook, the undersigned merely announced the proposed gradual transition to the use of gadgets due to the high cost of printing modules, subject to the approval of the Central Office.

            Recognizing the limited resources for the printing of modules, the undersigned reiterated her call to all School Heads to be resourceful by intensifying partnership with the LGUs and by establishing strong networks. In fact, such partnerships paved the way for the launching of projects like the Bayanihan Wifi and the Bayanihan Tablet.

            The undersigned reiterated the strict implementation of her instruction that teachers should NOT shoulder the expenses for the reproduction of modules.

            The undersigned offered the provision of technical assistance to teachers who would like to navigate digital teaching, with or without internet connection.

            The SDO 1 Pangasinan fully supports the policies, programs and projects of the Central Office and the Regional Office. We remain true to our advocacy that “no learner will be left behind.”

SHEILA MARIE A. PRIMICIAS, CESO VI

OIC, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent