MANILA, Philippines — Senator Joel Villanueva renewed his appeal for greater government assistance to teachers and other public school personnel as the Philippines marked World Teachers’ Day on Monday, October 5.
Villanueva said honoring educators should not be limited to words of appreciation, stressing that recognition must also come with concrete benefits that would help address the everyday needs of education workers.
In a video message shown during the Department of Education’s (DepEd) World Teachers’ Day celebration at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Villanueva cited Senate Bill No. 1606, or the proposed Allowances for Public Basic Education Personnel Act, as one of the measures he intends to continue advancing.
The proposed legislation would grant public basic education personnel a quarterly grocery and transportation allowance of ₱3,000, along with a ₱2,000 quarterly medical allowance. The benefits would also be subject to adjustments every three years to account for inflation.
Villanueva, who serves as co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2), said the assistance should be made permanent through legislation to provide education workers with consistent support rather than depending on available funds or administrative decisions.
The bill would cover both teaching and non-teaching personnel, recognizing the contribution of school employees whose work helps keep public schools running and allows teachers to focus more on classroom instruction.
The senator also drew from his own family background, noting that both of his parents were public school teachers. He said this experience gave him a personal appreciation of the aspirations of educators and their hopes for continued improvements in the Philippine education system.
Villanueva expressed gratitude to the thousands of teachers who took part in the DepEd celebration, as well as the department’s personnel under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng inyong mga sakripisyo, dedikasyon, at pagmamahal para sa kabataang Pilipino,” Villanueva said.
He emphasized the important role teachers play in shaping the country’s future.
“Lagi ko pong sinasabi na ang kabataan ang may-ari ng ating kinabukasan. Pero kayo pong mga guro ang humuhubog sa mga kamay na hahawak nito,” he added.
Villanueva said government support for educators should extend beyond ceremonial recognition, arguing that teachers and other school personnel need tangible assistance in addition to public appreciation.
“Saludo po tayo sa ating mga guro at teaching personnel. Pero higit sa palakpak, bigyan natin sila ng benepisyo at suporta, dahil ang nag-aalaga sa ating kinabukasan, dapat inaalagaan din,” Villanueva said.
The senator’s renewed push for the proposed allowances comes as education workers continue to call for measures that would improve their working conditions and provide additional financial support amid rising living costs.