Awareness and compliance with republic Act No. 6713 of public school teachers in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Abstract

This study examines the awareness and compliance of public school teachers in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, with Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Despite San Leonardo’s classification as a first-class municipality, its public schools face persistent challenges that hinder the full implementation of ethical standards. Key issues include teacher shortages, particularly in remote barangays such as Mambangnan and Tambo Adorable, leading to multi-grade teaching that limits individualized instruction. Limited access to professional development programs also prevents teachers from effectively addressing real-life ethical dilemmas in the classroom. Political pressures during election seasons, especially in politically influenced barangays like San Anton and Diversion, threaten the principle of political neutrality. Furthermore, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate infrastructure in low-income areas such as Castellano and Magpapalayok compromise the promotion of professionalism, nationalism, and responsiveness to the public. Concerns over transparency and accountability in school transactions have also been raised by stakeholders. These conditions highlight the urgent need to evaluate teachers' ethical practices and reinforce policy implementation through targeted training, institutional support, and ethical leadership. The study aims to provide recommendations for strengthening integrity, transparency, and ethical compliance in the local education system.