A group called on the candidates in the May 2022 elections to consider their comprehensive agenda for the country’s teachers and education workers.

“We have witnessed several forums and even debates where candidates, especially those gunning for the highest office in the land have presented their plans, unfortunately, we have yet to see a suitable platform that responds to the needs of our teachers and the education sector in general,” Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) National Chairperson Benjo Basas said.

The group also presented its “13-Point Teachers’ Dignity Agenda” which focuses on the rights and welfare of the teachers.

These include the increase in salaries, compensation for those affected by Covid-19, free post-graduate education, provision of free laptop computers and internet services, and putting up of a separate insurance system and hospital for teachers among other benefits.

Moreover, TDC also pointed out some demands that would help address the learning of children like the change in curriculum, reduction of class size, provision of books and other materials and facilities, and adequate funding for the safe return of in-person classes.

“We want to make sure that for this coming election, the issues of the education sector will be put in the center stage together with pandemic response, economic plans, and foreign policy platforms of the candidates both in the executive and the legislature,” Basas said.

Basas explained that they will invite the candidates to discuss their agenda and will be willing to provide a forum for them to reach the teachers and present their plans.

“If the candidates will agree with any or all of our specific demands, we will ask them to sign a document, a sort of memorandum of undertaking so that they will be compelled to make good on their promise, otherwise face a reprisal,” Basas said.

“We are willing to sit in exploratory talks with them should they wish to,” he added.