Our teachers have been called many names because they are considered the jack of all trades by many. It is no secret that whenever the need arises, our teachers are always prepared to step into action. However, these days, our teachers seem to be given more names, including being a “solicitor general” and a “professional beggar.” These terms are insulting to teachers as they highlight how teachers often go beyond their limits just to serve their purpose.

Solicitor General

It is very fulfilling to extend help or support to charitable works, such as giving or sharing something with your community, as long as it is purely voluntary. However, during Brigada Eskwela, these teachers tend to do everything to “solicit” funds for the sake of their schools. This practice needs to stop because it makes these teachers look very pitiful. Why do they have to solicit funds every school year? Even though the school heads or supervisors tell them to do it discreetly, it is not a secret to everybody. Solicit here, solicit there, and afterward, the solicitations go to their school. While some teachers do solicit with a pure, light heart, many teachers don’t want to do it because it always makes them look pitiful. This situation only proves that the Department of Education (DepEd) is pitiful for not being able to provide for its schools. The truth is that their teachers are the ones who lose face just to improve their schools. If I were these teachers, I would leave it as it is. It is the duty of the higher officials to ensure that education is of high quality. The government should ensure that the money intended for education is well spent.

Professional Beggar

In connection to being a “solicitor general,” teachers are also referred to as professional beggars, always asking different people or benefactors. They think these establishments or people are always happy to be the target of their begging. Teachers stoop down just to beg for people to give something to their schools. The teachers look pitiful for being like this, but do they have a choice? Of course, they don’t because their heads will indirectly encourage them to do so. They are professionals, but they beg every school year from different people and establishments.

Realization

DepEd should completely revamp its old ways and start creating a dependable, established, and independent system that does not rely on the pity of the community. Each school should be strong enough and should never ask for anything from the community. This means the government should provide everything and not let the teachers do the begging. This situation shows that the Philippines is the most pitiful when it comes to the standard of education. This needs to change, and this is what we must expect from the new DepEd secretary. – Avril | Helpline PH