Open Letter To All Kalibo Public School Teachers

“Where Is the Justice in a Decision Meant for Everyone?”

To the Honorable Municipal Mayor of Kalibo,

The announcement of an Executive Order declaring October 5 as a working holiday in schools within the Municipality of Kalibo has sparked discussions and comparisons among teachers, parents, and members of the community.

Let us make one thing clear: this is not an attack against the Mayor or a rejection of his authority. This is a call for dialogue, consultation, transparency, and respect for the voices of those directly affected by the decision.

October 5 is Teachers’ Day—a celebration traditionally shared by teachers, learners, and parents. For many schools, preparations begin days before the celebration. Learners prepare presentations, parents prepare simple tokens, and teachers look forward to a meaningful occasion with the children they serve.

Not every family can afford an elaborate celebration, and teachers understand that. Some teachers may simply smile and say, “Sana all,” when they see what other teachers receive. But what matters most is not the price of a gift. It is the thought, gratitude, and appreciation behind the celebration.

This is precisely why the question of whether October 5 should be a working day deserves careful consideration.

We also understand that different municipalities may have made different decisions. However, comparing Kalibo with other municipalities should not become a contest of who made the “better” decision. What teachers are asking is simple:

Were the people directly affected by the decision sufficiently consulted?

If the Executive Order was based on consultations with school heads, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, then perhaps the public deserves to know that process. But if the decision was influenced primarily by the concern or recommendation of only one school or a limited group, then it is reasonable for teachers from other schools to ask why their voices were not equally heard.

A municipal decision affecting all schools in Kalibo should, as much as practicable, consider the circumstances and perspectives of all those affected.

This issue also raises another concern.

There are reports of messages circulating online allegedly telling teachers not to comment, share, or react with angry or sad emojis—and even asking some to remove their reactions.

If such messages are indeed being circulated, then we must ask:

Where does guidance end and intimidation begin?

Teachers are professionals. They understand that not every opinion will be popular. They also understand that public officials deserve respect. But respect should never mean silence.

A teacher who disagrees with a policy is not automatically disrespectful.

A teacher who asks a question is not automatically an enemy.

A teacher who expresses concern is not automatically a troublemaker.

And a teacher who presses an angry or sad reaction button is not committing an offense.

Freedom of expression is not only for those who agree with us. It is most meaningful when it protects the voices of those who respectfully disagree.

We cannot help but remember the controversial phrase recently associated with Senator Erwin Tulfo—“bend the law.” We mention this not to attack the Senator, but because it raises an important principle:

Laws, policies, and regulations should not bend simply because circumstances are inconvenient.

There are existing rules governing the operation of schools and the authority of different government agencies. Local government decisions affecting schools therefore deserve careful coordination and consideration of existing DepEd policies.

Perhaps this entire controversy could have been avoided through wider consultation.

Perhaps a simple dialogue among the Mayor, DepEd officials, school heads, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders could have produced a clearer and more acceptable arrangement.

We are not asking for special treatment.

We are asking to be heard.

We are not asking the Mayor to surrender his authority.

We are asking that authority be exercised with consultation, transparency, and fairness.

We are not asking everyone to agree with teachers.

We are simply asking that teachers be allowed to disagree without fear.

And most importantly, we are asking:

Where is the justice when people are afraid to express what they truly think?

Kalibo deserves leadership that can listen even when the message is uncomfortable.

Teachers deserve a workplace where they can speak respectfully without fear of retaliation.

Parents deserve to understand why decisions affecting their children are made.

And learners deserve adults who demonstrate that democracy is not merely about having the freedom to agree—but also the courage to respectfully disagree.

This is not a rebellion.

This is not disrespect.

This is a plea for fairness.

From concerned teachers and teacher-netizens who believe that leadership is strongest not when everyone is silent, but when everyone is given a, fair opportunity to speak.

We ask: Let’s talk. Let us listen. Let us consult. Let us, be fair.

Because when a decision affects everyone, everyone deserves to be heard.

From:

A Concerned Teacher of Kalibo