DepEd’s zero policy on discrimination

Daisy B. Umagtan

SEVERAL of our senators took offense at the recent depiction of farmers as “poor” in an illustration contained in learning modules distributed to students.

One of these is Senator Kiko Pangilinan, who stressed that farmers “deserve positive recognition for their contributions to society”.

In a recent article, the good senator said there is a need end a bias against farmers and agriculture. There is no need to stereotype farmers, as this will send a wrong message to the youth: that being a farmer is unacceptable in society.

Farmers, he said, should not be looked down upon by anyone.

Senator Grace Poe also asked who decides on the content of the modules, and how those with errors are able to pass review.

Meanwhile, the DepEd said it has zero tolerance policy on stereotyping and other forms of discrimination. The agency assured that it will look into the matter and whether the material really came from DepEd. If so, a full investigation will be conducted.

Sanctions will be imposed on those who will be found responsible, according to the DepEd. It also said it will issue a statement to clarify that such is a harmful depiction, the agency said.

DepEd has been in hot water before for errors in the educational materials distributed to children, including grammatical and factual errors which were spotted by netizens.

The author is Teacher

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III at Manibaug Paralaya Elementary School, Porac East

District