THE Department of Education Davao Region (DepEd-Davao) reminded teachers to be professional on their public social media accounts since they are public servants.
In an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio on November 24, 2022, Jenielito Atillo, DepEd Davao Region Spokesperson, said if the teacher’s account is made and intended for public activities purposes, it should only post content related to their work.
“If you post something already beyond what is proper and what is right then, therefore, problema na siya (that’s a problem) because we are public servants and duna mi gipanumpaan nga ginabarugan (we have an oath). We mirror the ethics we are supposed to embrace,” Atillo said.
He said that whether their social media accounts are private or public, they are accountable for what they are going to post.
“Kay ikaw public servant man ka, dili man ka yanong tao nga magpataka nalang og post, nga magpataka nalang og sumpay sa mga comments sa uban biskan wala ka kabalo kung unsay tinood (You’re not just an ordinary individual, you’re a public servant; so, you should not involve yourself on things that you don’t know),” Atillo said.
Atillo also said that if teachers will create content on TikTok, a short-form video hosting service app, they should not wear their uniform.
“Kung mag-tiktok man gud ka unya naka-uniform ka kay naa ka sa sulod sa skwelahan bisan pa og kanang libre ka like lunch breaks or humana ang klase or wala pay klase, hunahuna sa publiko nga nag-Tiktok ka biskan pa og nagtrabaho ka (If you’re going to create TikTok content then you’re wearing your uniform, although you’re on break or done with your duty, the public has this notion that you’re doing TikTok even though it’s time for work),” he said.
He added that when it comes to freedom of expression if it involves their work, teachers can still express their sentiments but on the right channel and not on social media platforms.
“Why not bring that to your principal para ma-elevate siya sa higher office or write a letter to the highest DepEd authority to your country or the region, nga mao ni amoang mga sitimyento (so that they will elevate it to the higher-ups, or you can write a letter addressed to the highest DepEd authority to your country or the region raising your concerns),” Atillo said.
He said it is very important to reach out to the right channel to be able to get through due process.
“Kung atakihon nalang pud nimo imuhang kaugalingong organisasyon, that mirrors you kay naa man ka diha (If you’re going to attack your organization, it also mirrors you since you belong in the same organization),” he added.
Atillo said teachers must raise their concerns to their supervisors or high-ranking officials rather than on social media.
On November 2, 2022, DepEd released DepEd Order No. 49 series of 2022, which seeks to promote professionalism in the Implementation and delivery of basic education programs and services, this includes reminders that teachers should remain non-partisan and reminding officials and employees of the Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. KSD