Teachers walk out of classes vs graft, neglect

Ahead of World Teachers' Day on Oct. 5, thousands of teachers walked out of their classes yesterday in a coordinated protest to denounce corruption and government neglect, specifically in the education sector.

- By BELLA CARIASO

Protest actions were staged across the country to push for increased education funding, better wages for teachers and accountability from public officials.

According to Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines chairman Vladimir Quetua, the demonstrations were held amid growing revelations of corruption in public infrastructure projects.

These include recent testimonies before the Senate detailing how classrooms, flood control systems and other projects were either left unfinished or constructed below standard due to kickbacks.

To illustrate their grievances, Metro Manila protesters staged a satirical game show skit that underscored the state's neglect of the education sector highlighting issues such as overworked teachers, meager salaries, the reduction of subjects in general and senior high school and the militarization of campuses - while public funds continue to be lost to questionable infrastructure projects, confidential funds and kickbacks.

Amplifying ACT's calls for reform, Quetua called for a substantial salary increase for teachers and education support personnel, the doubling of the education budget to six percent of the gross domestic product and full accountability for corrupt officials.

He warned that if no meaningful reforms or concrete relief are forthcoming, teachers are prepared to escalate their actions.