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MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), a progressive group, kicked off the National Teachers’ Month on Monday by trooping to the House of Representatives to once again call for salary upgrades, safe reopening of schools and doubling the 2023 budget for the education sector.
“Our teachers are the lifeline of our education but we ourselves are on the verge of breaking down. Our salaries cannot amply support our families while we are also forced to spend out-of-pocket for our teaching and classroom needs,” said Vladimer Quetua, ACT chair.
He reiterated that the teachers’ salaries have “long [been] left behind” by other government workers like police officers and nurses, adding that their workload only gets heavier by the day yet they receive “scant support” from the government for their teaching needs.
“Our situation of being overworked, underpaid, and undersupported is a major roadblock to education recovery,” Quetua said.
“For education to recover from the learning crisis, uplifting the conditions of our teachers is core and essential,” he added.
The teachers’ group said they were “taking advantage” of the celebration of the National Teachers’ Month that will conclude on Oct. 5, which is World Teachers’ Day, to press their demands to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Mr. President, you have promised during your electoral campaign that you will take care of the welfare of teachers and education. We are close to the end of your first 100 days in office, we urge you to fulfill these game-changing measures for the sake of our learners,” Quetua said.
ACT is calling for an upgrade in the salary of Teacher I, which is currently at Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 15; SG 16 for Instructor I; and “liveable national minimum wage” for SG I workers and non-teaching staff in the private schools.
They are also appealing for additional compensation for teachers’ work outside of their regular duties, as well as the provision of laptops, a P1,500 monthly internet allowance, and a P10,000 cash allowance every year.
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