The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently convened the Education Industry Tripartite Councils (EITCs) to provide an avenue for education industries to discuss pertinent issues and concerns affecting their sector.
DOLE Regional Director Ana Dione said the primary aim of this activity is to engage and strengthen all existing EITCs in Central Luzon and ensure their commitment to the education sector by continuously empowering them to achieve greater heights.
“The education sector is already facing a first-hand experience on various issues and concerns on the implementation of government’s Enhanced Basic Education or K-12. Through this consultative meeting, we look forward to gather, discuss, and recommend win-win solutions in addressing them by coming up with an Education Industry Work Plan or Agenda,” Dione said.
To fully grasp the scenario at the regional level, Department of Education Program Supervisor Arnel Usman provided an update on the implementation of the K-12 Basic Education Program in Central Luzon.
“We have been capacitating our old and newly-hired teachers, as well as building or enhancing more classrooms prior to the full implementation of the senior high school (SHS) which only started this school year 2016-2017. Around 39, 950 of 36,461 teaching positions created to handle the influx of enrollee for the SHS this year have already been filled-up,” Usman explained.
After the discussion, participants underwent a planning workshop where they discussed and exchanged ideas on the creation of a National EITC, including its organizational structure and operational functions.
Aside from this, issues concerning the K-12 Implementation, ‘ENDO’ practices in the education industry, and compliance with General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and Health Standards were also discussed.
To conclude the event, the group also identified members who will become the region’s representatives to the National Convention of the Education Industry Tripartite Councils.
Said meeting is a prelude to a national convention which is set in February.