STRONG PUSH | Better promotion system sought by teachers amid pressing challenges

March 20, 2023 , 11:26 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(March 20, 2023) – Amid the familiar problems faced by educators, a teachers’ group on Monday urged the government anew to create a better merit promotion system to ensure that teachers receive their respective dues.

Benjo Basas, the chairperson of Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), expressed their support for the bill pushing for a career progression system for public school teachers being discussed by a panel in the House of Representatives.

“Dapat na mabigyan ng tamang kompensasyon, mga benepisyo, at pagpapahalaga ang ating mga guro. Pero kabaligtaran ang nangyayari—nagiging masigasig at masaya lamang ang mga guro sa mga unang taon ng pagtuturo, bandang huli ay bumababa na ang motibasyon,” said Basas in a statement.

He said the low pay, inadequate benefits, heavy workload, and unnecessary clerical tasks are among the factors that have lessened the motivation of teachers over the years. He added that the existing promotion scheme provides limited opportunities for teachers to climb the ladder unless they have a post-graduate degree.

For instance, Basas said teachers who serve in far-flung areas have “no chance” to be promoted because the nature of their work makes it difficult for them to pursue graduate studies.

“Sila yaong masasabi nating pinakadedikadong mga guro. Tatanda na lamang ba sila at magreretiro bilang mga Teacher I? Sa palagay ko ay nakapa-unfair nito hindi lang para sa ating mga guro kundi pati na rin sa ating mga mag-aaral,” stressed Basas.

Last year, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive No. 174, which established an expanded career progression system for public school teachers, paving the way for the creation of four more teaching positions and one additional master teacher level.

“DepEd (the Department of Education) is grateful for this monumental policy that will expand the classroom teaching career line and provide merit-based career progression opportunities,” said the DepEd. “We shall continue to develop programs to ensure our teachers are consistently motivated in providing quality education to our Filipino learners.”

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of Duterte and also the secretary of the DepEd, promised to launch efforts to “upscale” the capabilities of teachers as she noted their role in helping shape the youth.

At least three bills on continuing professional development are pending in the lower chamber.

While TDC backs the career progression policy, Basas urged lawmakers to also keep the position of head teachers intact “because of their important role and functions in public schools.”

He also pressed for the removal of the cap on the number of master teachers to allow more educators to reach the position. He also cited the need to increase the salary of those in the supervisory track.

“Isang magandang oportunidad itong career progression policy subalit dapat lamang na ito ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang, patas, makatarungan, at tunay na makapagbibigay ng pag-unlad sa ating mga propesyunal na guro at maging sa sektor ng edukasyon sa pangkalahatan,” said Basas.

(PM)

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