Some senators urges gov't to provide more benefits for teachers

On Sunday, some senators reiterated the appeals of various group for the government to provide more benefits for teachers as they face new challenges with the opening of classes of public schools.

As of DepEd's latest data, there are 24, 270, 714 learners that are expected to participate in the distance/blended learning of the Department of Education (DepEd) despite the presence of coronavirus.

As our teachers brave the pandemic to continue providing education to our children, let us show our appreciation for their service by ensuring they get the compensation they deserve,

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said in a statement.

We must ensure that teachers have the full support of the government in transitioning to this new normal in our education system,

he said, noting that the opening of classes also coincided with the celebration of World Teachers’ Day.

Pangilinan said DepEd should increase the P3,500 yearly chalk allowance of public school teachers, so they have enough funds for internet access and production of modules.

He said the government should also add at least P40 billion to DepEd’s budget request of P67 billion for the printing of learning modules for 2021. Earlier the department admitted that printed modules cost is expensive.

Education officials should use the P4-billion allocation for DepEd under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act to purchase laptops and other gadgets for public school teachers said

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Many of them don’t have gadgets and equipment for the opening of classes. They still have to produce and print modules and assessment reports,

Gatchalian said in a radio interview.

This first step is geared toward providing our teachers with enough support and equipment for their teaching (activities),

he said.

While, Detained Senator Leila de Lima said providing additional incentives to teachers would be the best way to honor their sacrifices.

We can never thank you enough. This is why I reiterate my support in urging DepEd to fill its vacancies in teaching positions to fully implement the blended learning modality this school year,

De Lima said in a handwritten statement.

I likewise support DepEd’s plan of hiring para-teachers to assist our teachers and the distance learners with their lessons,

she said.