Former DepEd Executive Director for Communications Service – Communications Affairs Joey Pelaez lamented what he described as a “breakdown of discipline” among students, particularly in public schools, as teachers struggle to enforce proper conduct.
Pelaez noted that unlike before, when children could be instructed to clean classrooms by sweeping or mopping, such practices have become difficult to implement today.
He cited similar experiences in Japan, where students are no longer actively participating in school cleaning. For Pelaez, cleaning tasks inside schools are vital in teaching children proper behavior and discipline.
He expressed concern over the rising cases of bullying and teasing despite efforts by school authorities, and urged the Department of Education and lawmakers to grant teachers the appropriate “disciplining authority” along with protection from being easily subjected to complaints before the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
