Amid persisting education woes, Angara hails teachers as ‘nation’s foundation’

September 7, 2024 , 05:45 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(September 7, 2024) – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday maintained the important role of teachers in society despite the persisting woes hounding the education sector for decades now.

DepEd secretary Sonny Angara touted the upcoming salary increase, annual medical allowance, and higher teaching allowance for public school teachers nationwide.

“Our teachers are the foundation of our nation. No progress is possible without them. Thank you for your service and commitment,” said Angara during the National Teachers Month kick-off event in Candon, Ilocos Sur, as quoted by a media release.

Last August, Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 64, which granted a salary increase for public school teachers until 2027 and a yearly medical allowance worth up to P7,000 by 2025.

Starting the academic year (AY) 2025-2026, the teaching supplies allowance will be doubled from P5,000 to P10,000 by virtue of the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act.

ALSO READ: Marcos on easing burden of teachers: ‘They teach because they want to teach’

“We are working closely with the Department of Budget and Management to ensure the release of the 2022 and 2023 performance-based bonuses,” said Angara.

Sectoral groups have repeatedly called for “comprehensive reforms” in the education sector due to the country’s learning crisis. They cited the “misprioritization” of the national budget as the reason behind the low scores of Filipino students in international assessments.

The DepEd reported a shortage of nearly 160,000 classrooms during AY 2023-2024. Over 89,000 teaching positions were also vacant. There are also the familiar issues of error-riddled modules, inadequate facilities, and problematic curriculums.

A report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education revealed that 62% of public high school teachers handle subjects they “did not major in college.”

ALSO READ: Angara urged to suspend DepEd policies on teachers’ working hours, MATATAG curriculum

Aside from the meager pay, teachers have also complained about the administrative jobs given to them, which add a burden to their actual teaching.

“We hear you, and in the coming days, months, and years, we will address these issues,” said Angara, who took over from Vice Pres. Sara Duterte-Carpio.

(PM)

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