Teachers score victory, to be provided with masks
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Teachers score victory, to be provided with masks
Bosetu had been advocating for this position since covid19 pandemic paralysed the country last year, but when they upped the ante at a consultative meeting with the Ministry and Covid19 task team last week, the teacher trade unions were granted their wish. Following last week’s talks teachers will now be provided with the three layer disposable masks also known as surgical masks, with immediate effect.
Bosetu president also welcomed the ministry stance that indeed it would be against the preventative procedures and protocols to require people who have been declared close contact and are awaiting results to come into schools environment as they should quarantine. Teachers waiting for their Covid-19 test results and are close contacts will now remain home until results are released.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...