SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go is pushing for additional financial assistance, better compensation and stronger benefits for Filipino teachers, saying educators are also feeling the impact of rising prices of food, transportation, utilities and other basic necessities.

Go said honoring teachers should go beyond recognition and include concrete government measures to improve their economic welfare.

“Hindi po madali ang trabaho ng isang guro… kaya sa abot ng aking makakaya, patuloy ko rin pong isusulong ang pagbibigay ng mas mataas na sweldo, benepisyo, at incentives sa mga guro,” Go said.

The senator noted that teachers face the same economic pressures as other Filipino families, while many also spend their own money on classroom supplies and other materials.

“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa mga teachers. Hindi ako magiging senador kung hindi ako natuto noon,” he said, expressing gratitude to educators for their service and dedication.

Go filed Senate Bill No. 410, or the proposed Across-the-Board Monthly Allowance for All Basic Education Teachers Act of 2025, which seeks to provide an additional monthly allowance to public basic education teaching and non-teaching personnel on top of their existing salaries and benefits.

The proposed measure covers nationally and locally funded personnel, including those involved in alternative and distance learning programs.

Go said the proposal seeks to ease the financial burden on teachers who often use their own money for classroom requirements while working beyond regular hours to assist students.

The senator was also a co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which institutionalized the teaching allowance for public school teachers.

Under the law, the annual teaching allowance increased to P10,000 per teacher beginning School Year 2025-2026 and will remain at that level unless subsequently adjusted.

The allowance is tax-exempt and may be used for teaching supplies, materials and incidental expenses related to learning delivery.

Go has also pushed for higher compensation for civilian government personnel. In the previous Congress, he filed the proposed Salary Standardization Law VI, which seeks additional salary adjustments for government employees amid rising living costs.

He was also an author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11466, or the Salary Standardization Law V.

Go said improving teachers’ compensation is also an investment in the country’s education system, as adequate pay and resources can help educators focus on teaching and supporting their students.

“The impact of a teacher extends far beyond the classroom, making them indispensable to the holistic development of each learner and, by extension, to the progress of the nation,” Go said.

Go reiterated that gratitude for teachers should be matched by sustained government policies addressing their financial and professional needs, emphasizing their role in shaping the next generation and contributing to the country’s long-term development.