TEACHERS are looked upon and heralded as molders of our youth and prime movers of the education system. Yet, they are among the most underpaid professionals in the country. Today, World Teacher’s Day, the Alliance of Concerned Teaches – arguably the most vocal and militant of all teachers’ associations in the country advocating for teachers’ rights and welfare – is staging simultaneous activities and protest actions in various regions. It will stress the imperative and necessary upgrade to the salaries of our school teachers in recognition of the significant and very critical role they play in our society.
Teachers are invaluable to our society. The importance of their commitment to mold the character and values of the youth cannot be overemphasized. They are likewise most reliable in serving the general welfare, notably when they serve during election period and when they aid the Philippine Statistics Authority in gathering data from households across the country.
In 1994, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared the fifth day of October as World Teacher’s Day in recognition of the numerous sacrifices of teachers all over the world. And so on this special day, we pay tribute to our teachers – our so-called second parents. Our esteemed educators are known for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices.
Quality education requires well-trained teachers with decent salaries. Sadly, years of government under-spending on education have resulted in the erosion of teachers’ salaries. We see many of them selling food stuff, ready-to-wear clothes and cosmetics inside the classroom just to augment their meager income. Others have chosen to work abroad or even to work as call center agents. Yes, teachers and their families are suffering from the steep increase in the cost of living brought about by the skyrocketing prices of rice and oil.
Verbal accolades are not enough. Our teachers, who continue to endure the dismal conditions of shortages in school facilities, meager benefits, hardships and sacrifices for the well-being of the youth, deserve worthy compensation, more benefits and greater protection.
