DepEd Investigates Teacher Regarding Corporal Discipline

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Leyte has taken swift action following a concerning incident that has recently come to light. A public school teacher, based in Burauen, Leyte, has been thrust into the spotlight for allegedly imposing an excessive form of punishment on his students. This incident has not only raised eyebrows but has also sparked a wave of curiosity among the public.

On October 24th, a video began circulating on social media platforms, showcasing the said teacher asking his students to squat inside a classroom. The video further manifests the male teacher holding a broomstick, seemingly using it to beat the learners. Such forms of corporal or physical punishment, especially beating, are strictly prohibited under the DepEd child protection policy, which was firmly established in 2012.

In a systematic response to the challenges posed by this incident, the DepEd Leyte division office immediately validated the facts. They reported, “Upon hearing the facts, the team convened with the school head and the concerned teacher. Subsequently, the office initiated collaboration with the legal office to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.” This advanced approach ensures that the incident receives the attention it warrants.

The education department has also chosen to assure the public that this matter will be addressed with the utmost urgency. After all, it directly involves the learners’ rights and protection. The primary objective, as stated by the department, is to “ensure the creation of a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment for all students.”

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time such an incident has taken place in the region. Earlier, on October 18, 2023, during a scouting activity, there was a reported case of alleged bullying at an elementary school in Burauen town. The victim’s parent reported the incident to the teacher seen in the viral video. This teacher then questioned a group of students in the video about the culprit behind the prior bullying incident.

The Leyte Division has reiterated its commitment to upholding the learners’ rights and protection. They are dedicated to ensuring that all classes and schools under their jurisdiction provide a nurturing environment for students to thrive.