ETHICAL ISSUES AMONG TEACHERS AND PUBLIC SERVANTS
ART KENNETH P. LIBUNAO
Teachers are the topmost assets of any education system around the globe. Teachers stand as the channel of knowledge, skills and values. They are recognized as the backbone of education system because they play a vital role in the system of education.
Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph Article 11, of R.A no. 7836. Otherwise known as the Philippines Professionalization Act of 1994 and Paragraph (a), section 6. P.D No. 223. hereby adopts the Code of Ethics, as revised, by the Board for Professional Teachers. According to the Preamble, Teachers are duly licensed professionals who possesses dignity and reputation with high moral values as well as technical and professional competence in the practice of their noblest profession, they strictly adhere to, observe, and practice this set of ethical and moral principles with dignity, standards, and values. We teachers must not just remember the key words in the preamble but also follow what is being stated in the preamble that the teachers are duly licensed professionals who possesses dignity and reputation with high moral values as well as technical and professional competence because if we follow this it will benefit the entire profession, as a teacher we should be a good role model to our students, colleagues and to our community. We should value and respect the differences, beliefs, and cultures of our students. We must be committed to our profession, we should go to our workplace ahead of time, avoid being absent from classes that will not be a good example to our students A teacher must embody and demonstrate complete dedication to their role.
We should not be involved in collecting/soliciting money from our students for religious activities or in any activities because it is clearly stated in the Section 5.
If we fail to follow the code of ethics for teacher there are penalties that we will face in the law that will go to the suspension from the practice of teaching profession, reprimand, or cancellation of his temporary/special permit.
We teachers should set a good example to our students, colleagues, and to our community because we are a public servant, and we need the trust of the public to earn their respect and to be worthy in our position as a teacher and a public servant. We should not use our title or our power to oblige any other person to follow any political course of action. We teachers should be committed to the people and to our nation.
Our role as a teacher is to educate the young minds of our learners, nourish their minds, kindle their ability and their potential.
Teachers and public servants should devote their time in doing what is good and what is always right because it is in our oath to the people and to our country. We should prioritize first the interest of the people before ourselves. If we reflect to our oath at all times, I am sure that we will give our full potential in serving people and our country that will result to a brighter and progressive future.