DepEd warns teachers vs being touchy about student criticisms

MANILA, Philippines — A Department of Education (DepEd) official on Wednesday warned government officials, particularly the teachers, against being “thin-skinned" about criticisms by their students. DepEd Undersecretary Franklin Sunga’s call came after the suspension of four students from the Quezon City Science High School for writing a Web log (blog) against the school administration. “We have to be very careful about punishing students for what they are going to write because of the constitutional right of all persons, including the students, the right of the freedom of expression and of the speech. Public officials should not have onion skin. They should be more tolerant about criticism," Sunga said in an interview with QTV's Trisha Zafra. Zafra’s report was aired Wednesday on News on Q. The students, whose identities were withheld, were meted with a 10-day suspension for allegedly criticizing through their blogs Dr. Zenaida Sadsad, the school’s principal. The report said Sadsad took the criticisms seriously as these reportedly mocked her by calling her names. Zafra quoted Sadsad as saying, the posted articles were also damaging to the school's reputation. "All over the world, isang pindot, nababasa (at a click of a button, the whole world can read what was written), which is against our school, the school principal and even the teachers," Sadsad said. She also said that the blog caused alarm among their alumni. "Maraming mga bata, mga alumni namin will go to the school asking the teachers 'oh ma'am nagkakagulo raw dito,'" she quoted an alumnus as saying. Moreover, Sadsad said those who might have read the blog might believe its contents. The Quezon City Schools Division had approved the suspension of the four students. Assistant Division Superintendent of Quezon City Schools Division Dr. Betty Kavo said, instilling discipline on these students is crucial. "Discipline, I think, is necessary for them to realize that freedom is responsibility," Kavo said. The mothers of three of the four students, however, have considered the punishment “too harsh." One of them said Wednesday that her child has suffered from depression, and another mom claimed her child had shown signs of fear and humiliation. Zunga advised the parents to appeal their case before the Education Department National Capital Region regional director. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV