ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) here has temporarily prohibited teachers from wearing t-shirts with images and colors associated with particular political candidates and parties.
Pedro Melchor Natividad, schools division superintendent, yesterday said the order aims to insulate teachers from partisan politics.
Natividad issued the reminder to the more than 5,600 teachers in this city as the country observes National Teachers’ Month from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 and as the filing of certificates of candidacy starts in October.
“This is the time when our teachers can also enjoy and we don’t want them to be dragged into political issues,” he said.
Natividad said the teachers should wear white shirts – a neutral color.
He assured the public that teachers are aware of their ethical standards.
However, he said schools and teachers could still ask for support from incumbent government officials for school projects.