DOLE: Drunkards, drug addicts need not apply for China teaching jobs 

DOLE Undersecretary Claro Arellano

MANILA—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) this morning (December 18) said drunkards, drug addicts and others with “pernicious habits” need not apply for the English teaching jobs in China.

In a statement, the DOLE said the recruitment and deployment of Filipino English teachers for tertiary educational institutions (TEIs) or colleges and universities in China “is now possible” after the release of the program’s implementing guidelines.

“An applicant should have not been charged or convicted of any crime or administrative offense, is in good health condition, and has no mental problem or pernicious habits such as drug addiction and excessive drinking,” DOLE said, quoting the guidelines.

Signed by Labor Undersecretary Claro A. Arellano, the guidelines spell out the memorandum of understanding on the Employment of Filipino Teachers of English Language that Philippine and Chinese governments forged in China in April.

In the joint guidelines, the qualifications of applicant are set, the roles and responsibilities of both governments are defined, and the system of deployment and acceptance are laid down, the DOLE said.

“For qualifications, interested Filipino teachers must be employed in private higher education institutions in the Philippines or those not currently employed in public institutions in the country,” it said.

In terms of education, an applicant must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from normal universities “or in education or English language from Philippine educational institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.”

The DOLE said they must also have a valid certificate of registration above intermediate level and a professional license issued by the Philippine Board of Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (PBLEPT).

It said the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) of the People’s Republic of China shall guide local administration of foreigners working in China in the approval, issuance, supervision, and quota usage of the Foreigner Work Permit (FWP) for Filipino teachers of English language.

They shall also provide the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) with the list of duly accredited TEIs and ensure strict implementation of the standard employment contract.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing and its consulates in China shall serve as the “contact window” to address and resolve all labor-related concerns pertaining to the hiring and deployment of teachers, and those that may arise on site.

The POEA, meanwhile, through its Government and Placement Branch shall provide adequate support in the recruitment, orientation, processing, and documentation of Filipino teachers-applicants.

It shall also undertake the pre-screening of applicants and endorse a shortlist of pre-screened applicants to SAFEA, together with their application papers.

Meanwhile, the number of Filipino teachers of English language to be accepted shall be based on the actual situation of market supply and demand determined annually through negotiation by both governments.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello earlier said that at least 2,000 English teachers were needed for the program, with those with knowledge of the Chinese languages having an edge.

As to the salary, he said it ranges from US$1,400 to US$1,600 (or P74,000 to P84,000) and the contract may be renewed after two years.