Philippines
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DepEd says the Duterte gov't 'never failed' to give teachers' benefits on time
DepEd says the Duterte gov't 'never failed' to give teachers' benefits on time
The benefits due to teachers have always been given on time under the current administration, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said on Tuesday, Dec. 28.
During the pre-taped “Talk to the People” public briefing of President Duterte, the concerns of teachers on benefits were once again raised, prompting Briones to enumerate the efforts of the current administration on this matter.
Briones mentioned that last September, the President signed an order granting P910 million so that each teacher will receive P1,000 during the World Teachers’ Day celebrated every Oct. 5.
“We have endeavored to add more steps, in the ladder of profession of teachers, so that they can move even without waiting for the next person to retire --- they can move within ranks,” Briones said.
Briones also noted that qualified teachers also receive a “special hazard pay” and that the uniform allowance --- which was also increased under the current administration --- can be spent by teachers “as they please.”
For the uniform allowance, Briones said that teachers can keep the money if they still prefer to use their old uniforms. For those who wish to wear new ones, they can use the said allowance to buy their uniforms.
“We have never failed on giving them the benefits that you have promised them on time,” Briones said. However, she noted that “this has to be according to law.”
Briones also noted that prioritizing the benefits of teachers has been done “several times” already “more than any other President, more than any other administration.”
“The movement of the salaries of teachers has been faster than those of other professions,” Briones stressed.
The President, whose mother was also a public school teacher, also recognized the contribution of teachers to nation-building.
Duterte said that the teachers are among those who will receive the one-time service recognition incentive (SRI) worth P10,000.
“I hope that ma-download ito agad (this can be downloaded right away), at least before New Year, para sa Bagong Taon meron silang hawak na pera (so that on New Year, they will have cash in their hands),” Duterte said.
Duterte said that the teachers “deserve” the SRI as he wished them good luck. “I hope I have contributed a little bit of happiness to them,” he added.
As a response, Briones thanked the President on behalf of the teachers and for “not forgetting the profession from which your mother spent and gave her professional life for.”