How much should Filipino teachers be paid?
This is a question that continues to echo across the country. Recently, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman reaffirmed her support for “competitive” compensation for teachers, acknowledging the challenges many educators face daily.
With National Teacher’s Day being celebrated, it was the perfect moment to highlight the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future.
Advocating for Teachers’ Compensation
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has consistently worked on solutions to ensure that teachers receive fair compensation for their hard work. Secretary Pangandaman emphasized the need to create an environment where Filipino teachers are not only empowered but also financially supported.
In her message, she referred to teachers as “unsung heroes” who continue to transform lives and uplift communities despite the difficulties they face.
With an average salary of only P14,000 for private school teachers compared to the P27,000 starting salary for public school educators, the gap is glaring. Many teachers have to take on side jobs to make ends meet.
This has led to burnout, attrition, and difficulties in attracting and retaining quality teachers, particularly in high-poverty areas.
The Need for Competitive Pay
The government has been making strides toward addressing the low pay of teachers. The recent implementation of the Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI) is one of the steps aimed at improving the salary structure. However, many teacher groups argue that this is still insufficient, urging for a separate salary scheme. They believe this is essential to address the pressing challenges of low compensation.
The reasons why competitive pay is crucial:
- Teacher retention: Competitive salaries would reduce the high attrition rates seen in both public and private schools.
- Quality of education: Well-compensated teachers are more likely to stay committed, which positively impacts the students they serve.
DBM’s Plans for Sustainable Salary Increases
Moving forward, the DBM is conducting new studies on teacher compensation to guide future adjustments. One major goal is to develop a sustainable, fair, and competitive pay structure for government employees, particularly teachers.
Funds have also been earmarked in the 2024 General Appropriations Act for salary adjustments, performance-based bonuses, and other benefits.
In her closing message, Secretary Pangandaman honored the resilience of teachers, particularly those working in remote areas, stating:
“Our teachers are the light of knowledge. Honoring them means ensuring they are compensated fairly for the noble work they do.”
A Final Reflection
The debate surrounding teacher compensation in the Philippines continues, but one thing remains clear: teachers deserve more for their invaluable contributions to the country.
The efforts of the DBM are a step in the right direction, but further actions will be necessary to truly improve the lives of Filipino educators.
Sources: THX News, Inquirer, Course Hero & Philippine News Agency.
