Marcos reaffirms gov’t commitment to properly compensate teachers

CONSOLATION PAY The education department has allowed a small payback to overworked teachers. —GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to properly compensate teachers for hours worked beyond the prescribed teaching hours.

In his speech during the 2024 National Teachers’ Day celebration in Quezon City on Thursday, Marcos mentioned Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 005, series of 2024, which mandates fair and equitable distribution of teaching loads.

READ: Marcos instructs DepEd in its ‘transformational journey’: Padayon

“Public school teachers will be properly compensated once they exceed the prescribed six hours of classroom teaching every day,” he said, referring to the order issued last September 27.

“We are instituting these measures to foster a more balanced and conducive work environment for our public school teachers,” he added.

Marcos also highlighted other measures that the government has implemented to support teachers in their job and career progression.

“In my recent Sona (State of the Nation Address), I emphasized that supporting teachers is one of this administration’s key priorities,” he said.

“This year, I signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Executive Order No. 174 to bring more opportunities for your career advancement and professional development. No public school teacher will be retiring as Teacher I anymore,” he added.

The President also mentioned the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which allows a tax-free teaching allowance of P5,000 for the purchase of teaching supplies and materials. This amount is set to increase to P10,000 in the next school year.

Furthermore, Marcos reiterated the signing of Executive Order No. 64, which provided a salary increase for government employees, including teachers.

He also recognized the struggles and sacrifices inherent in the teaching profession.

“Naabutan tayo ng graduation na nasa lockdown, kung lockdown, walang commencement exercise. Ngunit dahan-dahan nababalitaan natin ‘yung mga teacher, dahil naaawa naman sila sa kanilang mga graduate, pinupuntahan sa bawat bahay ‘yung bawat graduate. Para naman, ‘yung bawat graduate magpopostura, mag-aayos, may kaunting stage, may kaunting handa, may picture, binibigay ‘yung diploma. Saan ka naman nakakita ng ganyan?” Marcos asked.

(The lockdown affected graduation rites. And with the lockdown, there was no commencement exercise. However, we slowly heard stories of teachers, out of compassion for their graduates, going to each graduate’s house so that each graduate could dress up, prepare a small stage, have a small celebration, take pictures, and receive their diploma. Where else would you see something like that?)

“Teacher lang gumagawa niyan. Ibang tao hindi ginagawa ‘yan. Teacher lang gumagawa niyan,” he said.

(Only teachers do that. Other people don’t. Only teachers do that.)

These initiatives, Marcos said, are proof that the education system will prevail despite challenges because of teachers’ determination.

“It’s because of your passion, your innovation, and unwavering dedication that I hold the firm belief that sespite odds, we will push forward,” he said.

READ: Bongbong Marcos vows reform in PH education: Not in history but in sciences, vocational skills

Furthermore, Marcos said that he entrusts the teachers with shaping the future that the nation aspires to have.

“To our teachers: Keep shaping our students who will not only face the uncertainties of today, but will also embrace the opportunities of tomorrow,” the President said.

“Our future rests in your hands. This administration trusts that you will help us build the Bagong Pilipinas that we all aspire to achieve,” he added.

The event, with the theme “Together4Teachers”, gathered approximately 10,000 public school teachers, education stakeholders, DepEd officials, and representatives from government agencies.