By Nimfa Estrellado Straight Talk Opinion In a recent press release, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines expressed its ...
Straight Talk
Opinion
In a recent press release, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines expressed its dissatisfaction with the Marcos-Duterte administration's announcement regarding salary increases for teachers and education support personnel.
ACT stressed salary increases are taking too long to be implemented despite the government's knowledge of the current living wage and the numerous bills proposed in Congress that could address this issue.
The statement also reads the Magna Carta clearly states that teachers have the right to a decent salary and continued departure of teachers from the profession is a direct result of this low pay.
According to ACT, there are currently seven Senate bills pending that could be assessed and passed immediately in order to adjust teachers' entry-level compensation in basic education.
“The salary increase is an urgent matter. What we need is a concrete plan and not empty promises,” concluded Quetua.
I am really confused about what is happening at the Department of Education (DepEd) and why they are not prioritizing the salary increase issue when the department budget is already allocated for it.
There are also cascading issues about confidential and intelligence funds, which Vice President Sara Duterte, the current secretary of education, defended, stating that these funds are necessary in 2024 in the context of the agency’s anti-insurgency efforts.
However, many critics argue that the allocation of funds for confidential and intelligence purposes should not take precedence over the much-needed salary increase for teachers and other education personnel.
They believe that prioritizing the well-being and financial stability of educators should be the main focus of the Department of Education.
Teachers have been fighting for a higher pay increase for years, with many struggling to make ends meet.
The lack of competitive salaries has led to a shortage of qualified teachers and negatively impacted the quality of education in schools.
It is crucial for the Department of Education to address this issue and allocate funds towards improving teacher salaries, ensuring a better future for both educators and students alike.
However, the salary increase is not the only issue that teachers are facing.
There are also concerns about the lack of resources and support in the education system.
Some also question Brigada Eskwela, a government program aimed at improving school facilities through volunteer efforts, as it may not be sufficient to address the larger systemic issues affecting education quality.
According to a Twitter user, the "bayanihan" essence is something that the DepEd used to remove themselves from being held accountable for improving schools using their funds and force parents and students to use their money and efforts instead in rebuilding the school.
The user also stated that Brigada Eskwela is the longest and largest scam in our education system and that by shifting the burden to teachers and parents, the funds that should be earmarked for repairs are being siphoned off by the official.
If this is true, this misuse of funds not only hampers the progress of our education system but also undermines the trust and confidence of the public in the DepEd's ability to effectively manage resources.
I am not personally against these initiatives, but my suggestion is the government should prioritize transparency and accountability in its financial management to address these concerns.
The government should establish strict regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption and ensure that funds are allocated appropriately for the improvement of school facilities.
It is important to also address the underlying issues that lead to the need for community participation in school maintenance.
This includes advocating for sufficient funding and support from government agencies to ensure that schools have the necessary resources and infrastructure for quality education.
I recently discovered also that if no donations are received in the Brigada Eskwela, some teachers will have to spend a significant amount of their own money to provide basic supplies and materials for their classrooms, such as paint, among other things.
Brigada Eskwela is okay, but making teachers spend their own money on basic supplies and materials is not a sustainable solution.
This financial burden on teachers not only affects their personal finances but also hampers their ability to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
No more salary increases, and yet they still have to pay out of pocket for essential classroom materials?
Poor teachers! I can't imagine how challenging it must be for them to deliver quality education without the necessary resources.
Without proper funding, schools are unable to provide the necessary resources for students to thrive and reach their full potential.
It is crucial that government agencies prioritize education funding to ensure that teachers can focus on teaching rather than worrying about how to afford basic supplies.
Addressing issues such as overcrowded classrooms and outdated technology can greatly enhance the learning experience for students and create a more conducive environment for their education.
Sustainable and long-term solutions are needed to address the systemic issues in education funding and resource allocation.
Only through consistent government support can we truly provide students with the resources they need to succeed in their academic journey.
Please spare these dedicated teachers from the burden of constantly seeking external assistance and instead prioritize investing in their professional development and well-being.
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