Briones says teachers expected to raise quality of education after pay hike

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones reminded public school teachers that there are expectations to fulfill after their wages are increased.
Briones says teachers expected to raise quality of education after pay hike

Education secretary Leonor Briones attends the culmination of World Teacher's Day
Education secretary Leonor Briones attends the culmination of World Teacher's Day in Cagayan de Oro City | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Leonor Magtolis Briones

Speaking before thousands of teachers during the culmination of World Teacher's Day last October 5, Briones confirmed that the much anticipated salary increase for teachers will soon happen.

Briones said that government workers, including public school teachers can expect to receive another round of salary increase after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has completed its study of state workers' salaries.

However, the education secretary gave a reminder that the good news comes with a price as expectations are also set. Briones said that the agency is looking forward to the teachers raising the quality of education.

Briones explained, "But the good news comes with a challenge. As we increase the salaries and improve the terms of employment of our public school teachers, we expect our teachers to be the driving force to raise the quality of the country’s basic education."

DepEd also noted that the salary of teachers have already increased significantly through the years. They said that between the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) III from 2009 to 2012 and the SSL IV from 2016 to 2019, the monthly basic salary of a Teacher I has increased from P14,198 to P20,754.

DepEd also enumerated the benefits and allowances that teachers have been enjoying:

  • cash allowance amounting toP3,500 per year
  • Proportional Vacation Pay of up to over P38,000 for school year 2018-2019
  • hardship allowance which is 15-25% of monthly basic salary
  • honoraria for teaching overload that is 25% of monthly basic salary
  • additional incentives/allowance from LGUs

According to Briones, the focus of teachers should not be derailed as they continue to work to raise the country's quality of education. “Kung mayroong asenso, mayroon ding responsibilidad," she said.

Briones continued, “There is so much work to be done. The fight for quality will require no less than a national effort, with our teachers at the forefront."

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte made a promise that the educators' appeal for a wage hike will be granted. He even said the increase would be more than P30,000.

READ: Duterte vows teachers' wage hike will be more than P30k and will happen this year

Despite receiving flak from many educators, Briones has earlier clarified that she is not against a salary increase. She has explained that there are many factors to consider when increasing the salaries of teachers.

READ: Recto proposes four new teacher ranks to close salary gap

— Sally, The Summit Express



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