ACT Teachers party-list calls for bigger education budget, higher teacher pay

The ACT Teachers Party-list staged a protest early Monday morning along Mendiola Street in Manila, calling for a higher education budget and higher entry-level salaries for teachers.

According to Bam Alegre’s report on “Unang Balita,” more than 20 members of the ACT Teachers Party-list held a “sunrise protest,” carrying blue and orange umbrellas bearing their calls and grievances.

Among their demands is the increase of entry-level teacher salaries to P50,000.

The group said that even with the education budget reaching P1 trillion, it has not translated into meaningful improvements for teachers on the ground.

They added that the education sector remains in crisis due to insufficient government resources.

They cited persistent problems such as a classroom shortage of around 155,000, a teacher shortage of 150,000, and a shortage of 300,000 education support personnel, including registrars, school nurses, and guidance counselors.

Members of the ACT Teachers Party-list also visited several schools, including Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Elementary School in Baseco, Manila.

Their program is set to end with a “sunset protest” at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA News