More than giving them tokens of appreciation, a federation of teachers organizations on Saturday, September 5, urged the government to address their “real and pressing” concerns especially those that are related to their overall welfare and well-being.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines held a virtual kick off of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration which is observed from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5.

ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio noted that despite years of celebrating NTM, teachers— both in public and private schools — continue to suffer from the neglect of the government.

“Nanatili na ang pagkilala ng ating gobyerno sa ating mga guro ay naitatak lamang sa kanilang mga salita at hindi sa kanilang mga gawa - wala sa programa, wala sa polisiya (It remains that our government recognizes our teachers only in their words and not in their actions - not in the program, not in the policy),” Basilio said.

In many instances, Basilio explained that teachers continue to experience abuse and are deprived of their rights - especially to decent and dignified salaries - among others. 

“Patuloy tayo na nakikibaka upang ang gobyerno ay tugunan ang reponsibilidad nito sa mga guro, sa mga kabataan at sa sambayanang Pilipino (We continue to fight for the government to address its responsibility to teachers, the youth, and the Filipino people),” he added.

As the country starts the month-long celebration for teachers, Basilio called out the government - through the Department of Education (DepEd) and other education agencies - to truly address the longtime struggle of teachers.

“Para sa atin, hindi lamang ang simpleng pagbibigay ng tokens ang kailangan natin - kailangan ay magkaroon ng pagsagot at maayos na pagtugon ang pamahalaan sa ating mga hinaing, sa ating mga dinaranas na suliranin lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya (For us, we don't just need to give simple tokens - the government needs to respond and give a proper response to our grievances, to the problems we are experiencing, especially during the pandemic),” he added.

The virtual kick off featured support messages from ACT leaders, Education International, teachers' unions in other countries, students, and personalities. 

ACT also launched its own version of “Panatang Makabayan” which is the teachers' pledge to continue fulfilling their vital role in society amid the crisis.