Senator JV Ejercito is pushing for a bill that would give public school teachers an additional P10,000 in basic monthly salary regardless of their length of service.
Ejercito said Friday that Senate Bill No. 335, or the Dagdag Suweldo Para sa mga Guro (Additional Pay for Teachers) Act, seeks to recognize the contribution of teachers while helping address their financial difficulties.
“Being a teacher is not easy. They bear a heavy responsibility, yet often make significant sacrifices to fulfill their duties. That is why it is time for us to better show our appreciation for them through a salary increase,” Ejercito said.
The proposed measure would provide the additional P10,000 to qualified public school teachers on top of their existing basic salary.
Ejercito said teachers handle responsibilities beyond classroom instruction, including preparing lessons, checking papers, compiling reports and guiding students.
“Every day, our teachers do more than just teach. They prepare lessons, check papers, compile reports, and above all, they care for and guide our students. We see their hard work and sacrifices,” he said.
The senator said improving teachers’ salaries could help raise their quality of life and encourage skilled educators to remain in the public education system.
“We cannot achieve quality education if the people on its front lines continue to struggle with their livelihood,” he said.
Ejercito said the proposed salary increase would also send a message that the government recognizes the contribution of teachers to society and the education sector.
He said the financial support would complement the nonmonetary recognition that teachers deserve for their work.
“To our teachers, we know that your sacrifices cannot be measured by any monetary value. But we want to show you that we have not forgotten you,” Ejercito said.
Photo courtesy of Waivio
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