MANILA, Philippines — Education sector workers and public school teachers mounted a demonstration near the gates of Malacañang on Sunday, demanding a ₱50,000 entry-level base salary, increased benefits, and a larger state budget for education ahead of World Teachers’ Day.
In a press statement, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines called on the Marcos administration to show concrete backing for educators by raising starting salaries and increasing the monthly Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) from ₱2,000 to ₱5,000.
As lawmakers continue deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget, the group urged the government to set aside 6% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the education sector to fix classroom shortages, repair dilapidated school buildings, and address the ongoing learning crisis.
”Matagal nang ipinagkikibit-balikat at dinadaan lang sa mga matatamis na papuri at pangako ng administrasyong Marcos Jr. ang tugon sa ating kagyat at makatwirang mga kahingian para sa disenteng sweldo, dagdag benepisyo, at sapat na pondo sa edukasyon,” ACT Secretary-General Raymond Basilio said.
Basilio noted that educators took their grievances straight to the seat of power to challenge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver on his public praise for teachers.
”Hamon namin sa Pangulo na patunayan ang kaniyang pagkilala hindi lamang sa mga talumpati at pahayag, kundi agarang iangat ang kalagayan ng mga guro, kawani at ng buong sektor ng edukasyon,” Basilio added.
The group also demanded accountability from the national government regarding alleged corruption and what it termed as systemic underfunding of public education and vital social services.