"Invest in teachers to improve education, and everything else will follow."

This was the core message from a teachers' group to the government, especially the Department of Education (DepEd), as the new school year (SY) 2024-2025 commenced in most public schools nationwide on Monday, July 29.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed support for the Department of Education (DepEd) in this year’s opening of classes despite the postponement of school openings in over 800 public schools.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/29/walang-pasok-dep-ed-postpones-july-29-opening-in-832-public-schools

Basic education problems

As in the past, TDC said schools continue to face numerous problems stemming from decades-long neglect.

These include a lack of classrooms and other facilities, books and other instructional materials, water and sanitation facilities, and the pressing need for teaching and non-teaching personnel and support staff.

“These issues come to light, particularly at the start of classes, yet teachers and students grapple with the negative consequences daily,” TDC said in a statement. “Our teachers' resilience, patience, and perseverance supplement these shortages, exacerbated by various calamities that hit the country annually,” it added.

Hopeful

For TDC, there are “many reasons” to be hopeful for this school year --- including the appointment of a new DepEd Secretary, former Senator Sonny Angara, who has established himself as a well-known advocate for education reforms and sound fiscal policy.

“We expect him to decisively address these issues and find solutions for the concerns of teachers, students, and the basic education system,” TDC said in a statement.

TDC also looks forward to the phased implementation of the MATATAG curriculum.

“This school year will also mark the transition back to the old school calendar or the June-March cycle,” TDC said.

Despite some limitations and criticisms, DepEd will implement several new policies aimed at addressing teachers’ welfare, including the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, the Career Progression Policy, the reduction of administrative tasks, the rationalization of working hours and payment of overtime pay, and the anticipated salary increase.

TDC came up with a proposal to improve teacher welfare through better remuneration, comprehensive benefits, legal support, insurance reform, simplified performance ratings, fair promotions, and high-quality training.

The group is also seeking to reduce teachers' administrative duties, integrate discipline mechanisms into child protection policies, and address resource shortages in schools.

Moreover, TDC is advocating for updating the curriculum to reflect Philippine socio-cultural contexts, reviewing the K-12 program, reinstating Philippine history in high schools, and protecting public education funds from corruption.

“The most important aspect of all of this is prioritizing teachers' welfare and socioeconomic situation,” TDC said, noting that ensuring that teachers are “satisfied and fulfilled” in their chosen profession is essential.

TDC noted that the Philippine Constitution mandates adequate remuneration, including just compensation, benefits, incentives, and state care, which can readily achieve this ideal status.

“Our educators should be proud to be public school teachers: motivated, energetic, highly productive, responsible, and well-trained,” TDC added.

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