Educators demand pay hike, reforms on World Teachers' Day

Marking World Teachers' Day on Sunday, Oct. 5, thousands of educators took to the streets of Metro Manila to demand for immediate reforms as well as pay increase for teachers.

- JEL SANTOS and RAYMUND ANTONIO

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines marked the occasion and the opening of its 17th National Congress with a press conference at the University of the Philippines Diliman, presenting a six-point demand for urgent reforms in the education sector.

"The President's silence is telling. Habang sumisigaw ng P50K entry-level salary at sapat na pondo sa edukasyon ang mga guro, nananatiling tahimik si Marcos Jr.—walang tugon, walang direksyon, walang malasakit (While teachers are clamoring for a P50,000 entry-level salary and sufficient funding for education, Marcos Jr. remains silent—no response, no direction, no concern)," said newly elected ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo. "Sa panahon ng krisis, ang katahimikan ay isang uri ng pagpapabaya (In times of crisis, silence is a form of neglect)," she added.

Following the event, the teachers staged a symbolic P50,000 human formation, dramatizing their call for a P50,000 starting salary for teachers and substantial pay hikes for all education personnel.

ACT lambasted the government's continued disregard for teachers' welfare, citing "meager and delayed" benefits under Executive Order No. 64 and the absence of funds for overload pay, promotions, and allowances.