THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers urged presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso to include the concerns and demands of teachers and the entire education sector in his electoral platform.

“He says he is for the masses, and so we need to hear from him how he intends to address the calls of the education sector. Millions of education workers and students have been neglected by the current administration and we are determined to elect change — real change with concrete plans,” Raymond Basilio, the group’s secretary general, said.

ACT is pushing for salary upgrade, which Basilio said is the most urgent demand of teachers and education staff especially after President Rodrigo Duterte failed to deliver on his promise.

ACT slammed Duterte after giving teachers a measly P1,500 increase per year for four years—far from the promised doubling of their salaries.

“Teachers are the lowest paid professionals in the country, yet our service and contribution to national development is immensely important. Giving justice to our educators shall be included in his top platforms,” Basilio argued.

The group also sought a dialogue with Moreno.

“In his own city, he has witnessed public school teachers’ dedication to their profession and, similarly, their militancy when it comes to fighting for their and their students’ rights and welfare. The same holds true for teachers all over the country, whom he wishes to serve in the next six years. We call on Mayor Isko to publicly declare his support and plans of action to our urgent demands,” Basilio added.