Congress OK on P15K pay hike for teachers sought

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the celebration of the National Teachers Month, Congress was asked yesterday to approve the P15,000 across-the-board salary for public school teachers and education personnel.

Teachers Dignity Coalition chairman Benjo Basas said teachers deserve a salary that allows them to live with dignity, not merely survive.

 “Rising prices, expanding responsibilities and the growing demands of the profession make this pay increase a long-overdue necessity. A decent salary is not a privilege or a reward for good performance, it is a basic recognition of the value of teachers’ work and their right to a dignified life,” Basas said.

He said National Teachers Month must not be reduced to speeches, ceremonies, discounts and expressions of gratitude.

 “It must be an opportunity to confront the long-standing neglect of teachers’ rights, economic welfare and working conditions,” Basas said.