Education Chief Sonny Angara on Thursday lauded the efforts and services of all teachers as the Department of Education (DepEd) led the kick-off celebration of Teachers’ Month.
“They are the foundation of our nation and no progress is possible without our teachers. So, thank you for all your service and commitment,” he said in a pre-recorded video posted at the DepEd’s Facebook page.
Angara also brought more “good news” to improve the welfare of all teachers in adherence to the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Marami tayong magandang balita sa mga (We have many good news for our) teachers. First of all, we are releasing the salary differential under the Salary Standardization Law which our President has announced,” Angara said.
The DepEd earlier disclosed its target release of PHP26.9 billion worth for salary differential of all eligible teaching and non-teaching staff in public schools nationwide within the month.
Besides the salary differential, Angara also cited the increase in teaching allowance to PHP10,000 from the previous PHP5,000, a PHP7,000 medical allowance, and the implementation of expanded career progression for additional positions, including the teaching track with Teachers IV, Teacher V, and Teacher VI, as well as streamlining of administrative items including School Principal I, II, III, and IV, among others.
“Ire-release na rin po iyong (We will also release the) performance-based bonus for 2023-2024. And we are also preparing flexibility for the implementation of (the) MATATAG schedule for our teachers, depending on the conditions in their schools. So, ire-relax po ito para makapahinga po ang ating teachers (we will be relaxing this so that our teachers can rest),” Angara said.
The education chief also assured that they will act on other challenges to realize a better teaching and learning situation in the sector.
“Nakikinig po kami sa inyo at nakakarating po sa amin ang mga hinaing ninyo (We are listening to you and your complaints are reaching us). And in the coming days, months, and years, we will be addressing some of these problems,” he said. (PNA)