TEACHERS’ Dignity Coalition Chairperson Benjo Basas said the retention of Education Secretary Sonny Angara as the head of the Department of Education  was expected.

“Expected na namin ’yun,” Basas said in a statement.

The group called on Angara to maintain open communication with education stakeholders, especially teachers, as he begins his full term as DepEd secretary.

“Umaasa rin kami na magpapatuloy ang bukas na pakikipag-ugnayan ng DepEd sa stakeholders, lalo na sa mga guro, sa ilalim ni Sec. Angara,” Basas added.

He emphasized the importance of addressing grassroots-level concerns, particularly the condition of classrooms and school facilities, which he identified as critical to solving the education crisis.

“Sana ay mas tutukan ang mga problema sa batayang antas—‘yung kalagayan ng mga klasrum at paaralan—kung talagang nais niyang tumugon sa krisis ng edukasyon,” Basas said.

“Kailangang maramdaman siya sa ibaba at maramdaman niya rin ang ibaba—ang mga taong aktuwal na nagtatrabaho sa field, at hindi lamang aasa sa magagandang ulat na nakakarating sa kanya.”

According to the TDC, several unresolved issues demand urgent attention from the department. These include teachers’ working hours, curriculum revisions, school principal appointments, head teachers’ welfare, promotion systems, performance evaluation policies, and the burden of administrative tasks.

The group also cited continuing shortages in resources and delays in implementing benefits under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, particularly medical allowances.