The chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment on Wednesday said the Department of Education’s (DepEd) move to grant teachers a 30-day straight break without volunteer work for the School Year 2023-2024 is a “timely intervention” that will help ensure their well-being.

Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles lauded Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte for reducing teachers’ workload especially as the country commemorates National Teachers’ Month this September.

Aside from the 30-day break, Duterte also announced a reduction of the teachers’ administrative tasks from 56 to 11.

“We thank Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte and all other officials for this move. This is a timely intervention that will help ensure our teachers’ well-being,” Nograles said.

“Natutuwa tayo na masigasig ang DepEd sa paghahanap ng paraan upang maibsan ang pasang responsibilidad ng ating mga guro. Mainam itong balita lalo pa’t ipinagdiriwang ang National Teachers’ Month ngayong buwan (I am delighted that the DepEd is committed to find ways to lessen the responsibilities of our teachers. This is good news especially now that we’re celebrating National Teachers’ Month),” he added.

He expressed confidence that DepEd will continue to come up with measures to uphold the welfare of educators.

“For our part, we in Congress vow to continue to craft policies to this end,” he said.

Nograles also lauded the impending launch of a website to help teachers with financial loan contract problems.

“Our teachers often fall victim to loan sharks due to circumstance, that is why we need to provide them with financial education, legal assistance, and other ways for them to break from the cycle of debt and poverty,” he said.

The DepEd will release a memorandum to school heads and regional directors regarding the break. (PNA)