Teachers push for P15K salary hike

National

PUBLIC school teachers marked the opening days of class on Monday, June 9, with a protest near the Malacañang.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition pressed for a P15,000 across-the-board salary increase amid growing concerns over workload and compensation.

In a report by Philstar, TDC national chairperson Benjo Basas stressed that the demonstration was scheduled after classes to avoid disrupting learning activities.

According to the group, teachers continue to shoulder responsibilities beyond classroom instruction, including documentation, reporting, learner interventions, community engagement, and the implementation of various education programs.

The coalition argued that teacher welfare should be treated as a key component of education reform, especially as educators are expected to adapt to new policies and increasing workloads.

Similar activities are also expected in other parts of the country, with coalition members organizing prayer gatherings, walks, candle-lighting activities, and other events to show support for the salary hike campaign.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) highlighted a series of reforms and support measures that will be implemented for School Year 2026–2027.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the reforms are expected to benefit around 45,000 public schools and 900,000 teachers nationwide.

Among the initiatives are the implementation of a three-term school calendar, updated learning continuity protocols during emergencies, simplified lesson planning requirements, revised assessment guidelines, and the nationwide rollout of the strengthened senior high school curriculum.

DepEd said the measures aim to improve learning outcomes while reducing administrative burdens on teachers.

The agency also noted that public school teachers will receive a P10,000 teaching allowance under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which provides additional support for classroom-related expenses such as learning materials and teaching supplies. (Angel Sheane Dumas, CNU BA Comm- BJ Intern)