DepEd Leyte warns aspiring teachers vs hiring scam

PALO, Leyte, Aug.11 -- A Department of Education (DepEd) official in Leyte warned applicants on Friday against unscrupulous persons who extort money in exchange of teaching positions in the province.

“Teaching items have never been, never was, and never will be for sale in our division,” said Jose Mariano Barril Jr, DepEd Leyte division office human resource management officer.

Barril’s stern warning also came as a way of reminding the public that they “will not tolerate anyone dragging the name of the division office for their selfish intentions.”

While the issue is “not directly referring” to the division, Barril said he “had to reiterate because others might take advantage of the newly-hired teachers.”

In a statement, Barril urged anyone to report any information to their office if they know of some individuals who ask money from them in exchange for teaching items.

According to him, they have also maintained official social media accounts where teacher-applicants can report of any extorting activities. “We urge everyone to be vigilant enough and not to fall prey to this scenario,” he said.

Barril earlier assured that hiring process in Leyte division has been transparent, adding that they are maximizing the use of social media in disseminating the status and hiring process of all qualified applicants.

“This is the very reason why we are doing our best to inform all applicants of their status and the information is given directly to them so that we can protect them and shield them from people who have ulterior motives,” he added.

Meanwhile, Barril said that almost 1,000 items in Leyte division were already “filled in.”

He, however, said that more items are still coming, especially bookkeeping and disbursing officer positions as they have over 150 vacancies for it. (Ronald O. Reyes/PNA)