Teachers’ groups: Cavite pupil’s death exposes school system gaps

MANILA, Philippines—The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said the death of a Grade 4 pupil in Cavite following a school’s deworming activity underscores long-standing systemic problems in the country’s public education system.

Earlier, initial medical findings cited by the Department of Education (DepEd) showed that a Grade 4 pupil from Trece Martires City, Cavite, died after an infection developed into septic shock.

The student was hospitalized on July 3 following a school “routine deworming activity” on July 2.

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READ: Grade 4 pupil dies after ‘routine deworming’

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READ: DepEd: Cavite student’s death after deworming due to septic shock

“This unfortunate incident should serve as a wake-up call to reexamine the condition of our public schools,” the TDC said in a statement on Tuesday.

The group also said the tragedy should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a reflection of deeper problems in the country’s public education system.

It called on the government to address these issues through increased funding, adequate staffing, and policies that prioritize the safety and welfare of learners and teachers.

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“There are not enough school nurses or other health personnel, forcing teachers to perform duties that fall outside the scope of their profession,” the TDC added.

The TDC also said teachers continue to carry out duties that should be handled by agencies such as the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Commission on Elections.

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The group urged the public to avoid making premature judgments while authorities investigate the incident, saying accountability should be determined only after due process.

“No words can ease the pain brought about by this heartbreaking loss, and we deeply sympathize with the family’s grief during this difficult time,” the group added.

For the ACT, the incident highlights the effects of years of underfunding and neglect of the public education system.

It pointed to the persistent lack of teachers and qualified education support personnel, such as nurses, guidance counselors, and other essential professionals.

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“The primary responsibility lies with the Department of Education and the government, whose long-standing failure to adequately fund public education has left schools unable to provide the basic services necessary to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of learners and teachers,” the ACT said in a statement on Monday. /mcm