DAVAO CITY — A public school teacher from Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS) was allegedly subjected to public humiliation by a parent over a student’s grade and later summoned to the barangay for a dialogue, an action that the Department of Education (DepEd) Region XI said should not have been within the barangay’s jurisdiction.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a parent questioning why their child received a final grade of 79. According to a social media post shared by the teacher’s child, the teacher explained that her own computation showed the student’s actual grade was 73, which she said she adjusted to 79. The parent allegedly reacted angrily and was quoted as shouting, “Walay mga klaro teacher diri sa DRANHS!” an outburst that reportedly caused the teacher emotional distress and embarrassment.
The post further claimed that the teacher later expressed her emotional struggle in class. Subsequently, the parent reportedly raised concerns invoking the Child Protection Policy, which led to the teacher being summoned to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) of Barangay 74-A, Matina Crossing.
A barangay notice dated December 12, 2025, signed by Punong Barangay Joel A. Santes, requested the teacher to appear for a dialogue on December 15, 2025, warning that failure to attend could result in the matter being elevated to higher government agencies.
However, DepEd Region XI clarified that complaints involving academic matters and teachers performing official duties should be handled through the Department’s internal grievance mechanisms and not through barangay proceedings. DepEd XI spokesperson Dodong Atillo said barangay councils should recognize the limits of their authority and refer such complaints directly to DepEd.
“Teachers are persons in authority, they should be afforded with the appropriate respect,” Atillo said, adding that concerns related to grading should pass through DepEd’s established grievance process.
DepEd Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Reynante Solitario echoed this position, stressing that the filing of complaints at the barangay level is not within proper jurisdiction when the matter involves DepEd personnel acting in the performance of official duties.
“The filing of complaints in barangay is not within the proper jurisdiction when the matter involves DepEd personnel in the performance of official duties. Such cases shall be handled in accordance with existing DepEd Orders and/or Civil Service rules,” Solitario said, noting that such complaints should instead be filed either at the school level or with the Schools Division Office (SDO).
As of this writing, DRANHS has not released an official statement regarding the incident. The barangay involved, as well as the parent who filed the complaint, have also yet to issue public responses.
The case has drawn attention to the proper handling of academic disputes, the protection of children, and the need for mutual respect between parents and educators. DepEd officials reiterated that while parents have the right to raise concerns about their children’s education, such issues must be addressed through appropriate institutional channels to ensure due process for all parties.
The matter remains pending as authorities await further developments.