Teachers' group laments ‘poor’ budget for education sector

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Saturday denounced the government's supposed lack of regard for the education sector by only allocating P4 billion to the sector in the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.

In a statement, the group claimed the administration had not "lifted a finger" for the sector as it denied the Department of Education's request for a supplemental budget to fund the requisites for the coming school year, which is set to open on October 5.

“There’s no question about the President’s absolute lack of regard to education. This has been evident from years of poor budget allocation under his rule to the complete abandonment of this basic social service as it shifted to remote learning. Meanwhile, Sec. Briones who should have championed the interests of the sector also opted to fawn over the President at the expense of our welfare and rights,” said ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio.

ACT said the lack of funds resulted in teachers finding ways to prepare and reproduce modules and other learning materials, but these turned out to be inadequate for students.

Furthermore, there were no comprehensive health measures in place for both teachers and students.

The ACT thus called for a P126.9 billion allocation for blended learning, aiming for optimal delivery of distance education—teaching and learning techniques and resources; preventive health measures; and health protection and benefits.

“The P126.9 billion we’ve called is actually a modest estimate of what the education sector needs to allow the fulfillment of the state’s mandate to education. Even as we’re scheduled to resume classes in two days, the Duterte admin is still obliged to meet the requisites for the safe remote delivery of quality education to all 27 million of our children and youth. Otherwise, many lives and rights will be compromised,” Basilio said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) claimed that critical DepEd programs had been provided with "enough funds" under the proposed 2021 General Appropriations Act.  — DVM, GMA News