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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Underpaid and under attack: Women leaders lament plight of educators in PH

Underpaid and under attack: Women leaders lament plight of educators in PH

Published Mar 2, 2023 08:44 am
At least eighty percent of educators in the Philippines are women and most of them are overworked, underpaid, and under attack, said the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Thursday, March 2.  In time for the celebration of the National Women’s month, women leaders of ACT Philippines enumerated the battles of Filipino educators, among which are insufficient wages, undistributed benefits, and human rights violations.

‘Under attack’

 In a press conference held Thursday morning, ACT Region VII Coordinator Dyan Gumanao recalled her alarming experience in January. “Ako po ay naging biktima ng nangyaring abduction noong Jan. 10, 2023. [Nangyari ito] sa isang pampublikong lugar in broad daylight (I was a victim of an abduction that happened on Jan. 10, 2023. It took place in a public place and in broad daylight),” said Gumanao, adding that she was “accused of being a terrorist.” “We only forward the interests and rights of teachers as stated in our law. Instead of helping the teachers and instead of addressing the long-standing problem, the state strikes with violence,” she furthered in Filipino. This, however, is not an isolated case. In the same press conference, ACT National Council Member Dr. Melania Flores, a University of the Philippines professor and unionist who was arrested in February over her alleged SSS violations, recounted how the “trumped-up charges” affected her life.  “Habang iniisip ko ito sa mga nakaraang linggo, talagang winawasak ang pagkatao ko (As I think about it in the past weeks, it really destroys my character),” said Flores, detailing that she was handcuffed and arrested in front of her grandkids. For Flores, above anything else, academic freedom is essential and this will only be achieved when there is an “enabling” environment.

‘Overworked, underpaid’

 Not only are they under attack, Filipino educators are also overworked and underpaid — two of the many factors that weigh down teachers according to ACT Philippines.  “We are lacking in everything. We are lacking wages, benefits, academic freedom, and rights to form unions. We always shoulder the expenses for all the government’s inadequacy,” said Quezon City Public School Teachers Association President Erlinda Alfonso. ACT National Capital Region Union President Ruby Bernardo backed this statement, stressing that despite them working beyond their capacity, they are still paid less than what is due.   “It is sad to think that we are called professionals, but our salaries are not for professionals,” said Bernardo. To address these matters, the women leaders called on the national government to listen and further look into the needs of Filipino educators, highlighting that this would eventually help improve the country’s education system.
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