As schools prepare for the opening of a new academic year, a lawmaker from Quezon City is pushing for a package of measures aimed at improving teachers’ pay, strengthening job security, and supporting educators assigned to far-flung communities.
Congress was urged to prioritize House Bills 5082, 5083 and 5085, saying teachers deserve stronger government support as they continue to serve as “second parents” to Filipino students.
“Sabi nga natin, ang pagiging guro ay ang pinaka marangal na propesyon. Pero madalas ay di natin napapansin o nasusuklian ang mabigat na pagtatrabaho ng ating mga teacher,” Second District of Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas said.
“Ngayong naghahanda muli tayo sa pasukan, it is only right that the government also prepares a better life for them,” he added.
Under House Bill 5082, he said the bill seeks to raise the minimum salary grade of public school teachers from P27,000 to P34,421, citing the rising cost of living and the financial pressure faced by educators who support their own families while helping shape the future of the country’s children.
The lawmaker also filed House Bill 5083, which proposes the creation of permanent positions for volunteer teachers who have served continuously for at least five years.
He said long-time volunteer teachers have helped fill gaps in the education system and should no longer be left uncertain about their employment status.
“Ang ating mga volunteer teacher ay ang mga tahimik na pumupuno sa kakulangan sa ating education system. They should not have to wait forever for job security,” Vargas said.
“Dapat lang na kilalanin natin ang kontribusyon nila,” he added.
Meanwhile, House Bill 5085 seeks to provide monthly incentives for teachers assigned outside their home cities, municipalities or provinces, particularly those serving in distant or isolated communities.
The lawmaker said improving teachers’ working conditions is directly tied to improving the quality of education in the country.
“Kung hindi na kailangan pa isipin ng ating mga teacher kung saan sila kukuha ng panggastos sa pang-araw-araw at ang seguridad ng kanilang trabaho, mas mapagtutuunan nila ng pansin ang tamang pagtuturo sa ating mga anak,” he said.
“When we care for our teachers, we are indirectly caring for our children,” he added.
Vargas called on fellow lawmakers to act on the measures as the school year begins, stressing that fair compensation and job security are essential to attracting and retaining committed educators in the public school system.