THE Department of Education (DepEd) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Monday to provide free legal aid to DepEd teachers and personnel across the country.
Witnessed by representatives from DepEd Teachers Union (DTU), Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) during the ceremonial signing, the partnership with IBP will give public school teachers and school-based non-teaching personnel access to legal advice and assistance in disputes and other legal concerns.
“We’re happy to note na itong legal assistance memorandum that we’re signing with the IBP, not only will benefit our teachers but also our school-based non-teaching personnel. So these includes administrative officers, accountants, clerks, and bookkeepers all over the Philippines. So that will benefit not only the 800,000 plus but the 100,000 plus non-teaching personnel,” Angara said.
Angara noted that the partnership with IBP marks another milestone in DepEd’s efforts to support the welfare of teachers —one of the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to the agency.
“Hindi hanggang puri lang ang binibigay natin sa ating teachers, kundi tunay na serbisyo, tunay na public service, at pag-appreciate sa kanilang binibigay sa ating mga mahal sa buhay,” Angara said, noting that public school teachers will benefit from the expanded career progression and medical allowance initiative of Pres. Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Angara also noted a personal connection, sharing that his father, former Senate President Edgardo Angara, served as IBP President in 1979.
IBP President Atty. Antonio C. Pido, Executive Vice President & Governor for Western Mindanao Atty. Allan G. Panolong, and other top officials of IBP welcomed the initiative, which they said aligns with IBP’s commitment to community service and supporting Filipino educators.
“Ngayon po sa term ni Secretary Angara, malaki po ang pag-asa ng mga guro na hindi na magiging hand-to-mouth existence ang compensation ng mga public school teachers,” Atty. Pido said.
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