Despite hurdles and hardships, teachers on Monday, Aug. 28, said they are ready to “serve for another school year.”

“We are still facing the perennial problems such as lack of classrooms, armchairs, instructional materials and even teachers,” said Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairman Benjo Basas in a statement.

“We observe these woes every year, so they are not new,” he added.

However, Basas pointed out that “what's worst is that the situation of remains the same” for decades.

"There may be changes to the curriculum or even to the physical condition of our classrooms and schools, but the condition of the teachers is the most important and should be given priority,” Basas said.

“Our teachers are still overburdened with redundant clerical work that gets worse every day,” he explained. “Class sizes can reach as high as 50 to 55, and yet we expect our teachers to teach better,” he added.

However, despite the “grim situation,” Basas assured the public that teachers are gearing up to report physically on Aug. 29 and they are “prepared emotionally and mentally as well.

TDC also called on parents and learners for “understanding as they voice out their protest and said that their grievances are not just for them, not just a selfish nor sectoral concerns but more so, for the school children and the future of the nation, as well.”

Basas pointed out that children’s welfare is “always at the center” of discussions whenever the classes open.

However, the group stressed that those in authority should also consider the welfare of teachers and give them the attention they deserve. “How could we safeguard the well-being of these children if their teachers' welfare is uncertain?” Basas asked.

The group then reminded the Department of Education (DepEd) and the government to “compensate the loss days intended for school break” previously referred to as summer vacation of teachers.

The group also challenged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to “make good of his promise to hike the salaries” of public school teachers.

Since 2010, the TDC group has been pushing for a P10,000 across-the-board increase for DepEd employees.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

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