The Philippines is once again celebrating National Teachers’ Month (NTM) from September 5 to October 5, 2024. This month-long event aims to honor and recognize the crucial role of teachers in shaping the nation. The official kick-off took place in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 1.
Honoring Filipino Teachers
In a special video message, Secretary of Education Sonny Angara acknowledged the dedication and hard work of Filipino teachers. He emphasized that teachers are the “foundation of the nation” and that no progress can happen without their contributions. Angara assured teachers that DepEd, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is committed to improving their working conditions and well-being.
Angara shared encouraging news for teachers. One of the key announcements was a salary increase for public school teachers and non-teaching personnel through salary differentials. Additionally, for the first time, teachers’ annual teaching allowance will be tax-free starting this year.
Expanded Career Progression
Secretary Angara also highlighted the benefits of the Expanded Career Progression System, which provides teachers with more opportunities for professional growth. In July 2024, DepEd signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to ensure its smooth implementation. This system allows for additional positions, making career advancement more attainable for educators.
Another key reform is the hiring of more administrative staff in schools to ease the workload of teachers, enabling them to focus more on teaching.
Additional Support and Benefits
The Marcos administration has also promised to provide teachers with a ₱7,000 medical allowance. A health plan specifically for teachers is also in the works. Angara mentioned that adjustments are being made to the special hardship allowance, ensuring that more teachers can receive this support, especially those in difficult teaching conditions.
Additionally, teachers can expect the release of the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for 2023 and 2024 soon, which rewards their hard work.
Addressing the MATATAG Curriculum Concerns
In response to concerns from the teaching community, Angara assured that the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum will be flexible. DepEd recognizes that schools face different challenges, and the curriculum adjustments will reflect this understanding.
A Call for Continuous Improvement
While these reforms are positive steps, some groups believe more needs to be done. The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) praised the efforts but reminded the public that “praises are not enough.” TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas pointed out that proper treatment, fair compensation, and respect for teachers’ rights should be priorities, not just during celebrations like NTM, but every day.
Basas emphasized that teachers’ low salaries are a major issue that shows the lack of true appreciation from the state.
ACT’s Demands for Teacher Welfare and Education Reform
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also marked the start of NTM by issuing a list of demands aimed at improving teachers’ status and enhancing education quality in the Philippines. ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua criticized the government for not meeting global standards set for the teaching profession. According to ACT, Filipino teachers are overworked, underpaid, and lack adequate support.
ACT is calling for a substantial increase in salaries for teachers and education workers. They also demand the government double the education budget to meet the United Nations’ (UN) recommended 6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Furthermore, they urged the government to scrap the MATATAG curriculum, which they argue adds unnecessary burdens to teachers.
Conclusion
As National Teachers’ Month continues until World Teachers’ Day on October 5, 2024, the focus remains on both honoring teachers and pushing for reforms that will benefit them. While DepEd is making strides to improve the working conditions and benefits for teachers, organizations like ACT and TDC remind us that there’s still much more work to be done.
This year’s NTM serves as a reminder of the invaluable role teachers play in the nation’s development and the urgent need to support them beyond words and ceremonies.
