Senatorial candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro on Sunday said he will pursue higher salary and benefits for teachers to ensure the quality of education in the Philippines for the Filipino youth.

Teodoro said teachers serve as a role model by the youth and thus, should be given more incentives for serving tirelessly for the country’s education sector.

A former defense secretary, Teodoro recalled an encounter with a Grade 4 student during a campaign sortie in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, wherein the student said he wants to be a teacher when he finishes his studies.

“Gusto ko sanang makilala at pasalamatan ang teacher niya kasi talagang ginawa siyang ehemplo—role model nitong bata (I wanted to meet and thank his teacher because he served as an example, a role model, by this child),” Teodoro said in a radio interview with Radio DZRH.

“Mabuhay po ang ating mga guro na substitute parents at role model ng kanilang mga estudyante (We commend our teachers who act as substitute parents and role model of their students),” he further said.

Because of this, the former Tarlac congressman said teachers deserve to have better pay and benefits, which he would pursue should he win a seat in the Senate in the upcoming May 2022 elections.

“Napakalaki ng responsibilidad ng ating mga guro kaya utang natin sa kanila na pangalagaan din ang kanilang welfare (Our teachers have a very huge responsibility that’s why we owe them their very own welfare),” he pointed out.

“Lalo na kapag hindi na sila nakakapagturo (Especially if they can no longer teach),” Teodoro added.