Message of Deputy Speaker and Antique Lone District Representative Loren Legarda World Teachers’ Day October 5, 2020

As the international community celebrates the World Teachers’ Day, I would like to laud the significant role of Filipino teachers as nation builders.

Our teachers have an indispensable role in nation building and national development. Considered as the second parents of our children, teachers have a pivotal role in honing the minds and characters of the Filipino youth. The dedication and competence of our teachers are one of the factors influencing the quality and capability of our future public servants, professionals, and our future leaders.

We owe much of our achievements to the sacrifices, commitment and selflessness of our teachers despite the challenges in our education system. Thus, the government, in return, should guarantee them adequate support through the provision of benefits and incentives, and the strengthening of professional development programs for educators.

When I was the Senate Chair of the Committee on Finance, I initiated the allocation of additional Php800 million under the Department of Education (DepEd) under the 2019 budget to provide Php1,000-incentive for each teacher on World Teachers’ Day. I am happy to note that this is also provided for under the 2020 GAA, and I will work for its inclusion in next year’s budget.

In previous years, I also supported the increase in the chalk allowance of teachers. From Php1,500 in 2015, the chalk allowance was increased to Php2,500 and Php3,500 in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Now known as the grant of cash allowance to teachers, the Php3,500 given to public school teachers nationwide for every school year augments the expenses incurred by teachers to purchase classroom supplies that aid them in fulfilling their teaching responsibilities.

This teachers’ day incentive is a small amount compared to all the hard work and sacrifices by our teachers in the development of the youth, and more particularly as the teachers and educators adjust to the changes in the education system brought about by the pandemic. Sa inyo pa din po nakasalalay ang pag-aaral, dagdag- kaalaman, at karunungan ng ating mga mag-aaral sa gitna ng pandemya.

As we pay tribute to our teachers in celebration of the World Teachers’ day, I emphasize once more the need to pursue programs that would protect their rights and call for better compensation packages and other benefits that they deserve.

Happy Teachers’ Day to all our hardworking and dedicated educators!