ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro on Wednesday called on the government to grant the demands of public school teachers for better pay, benefits and adequate funding.

“Yesterday marked the first anniversary of continuous work for teachers under the Duterte administration’s blended distance learning amid the pandemic. Teachers have endured one whole year of an under supported, overworked, and underpaid blended distance learning program of the Duterte administration,” Castro said.

She lamented that the government “continues to neglect the education sector’s demand for adequate funds to support its blended distance learning program.”

The lawmaker said the government should fully support teachers who, despite delayed benefits, lack of funds and medical support, continue to do their duties and serve by delivering education to the youth.

“Our teachers have been very patient as they continue to deliver their duties despite one year of lacking support, delayed benefits, additional work and meager salaries as compensation. One year of enduring these hardships is too much and the Duterte administration should be accountable for the worsening state of education in the country,” she added.

Castro urged her colleagues in the House of Representatives to support and pass bills and resolutions that benefit teachers.

These include House Bill 5990 that seeks to upgrade teachers’ salaries, House Bill 7034 that will provide P1,500 monthly internet allowance for all public school teachers, and House Bill 5349 that aims to grant teachers sick leave benefits of 30 days with pay.

“Napakarami nating panukalang batas na maaaring makatulong sa kapakanan, kaligtasan at kalinangan ng mga kaguruan pero hindi prayoridad ng administrasyong Duterte ang edukasyon kaya naman patuloy na nanlilimos sa kakarampot na barya ang sektor ng edukasyon,” Castro said.