SENATOR Risa Hontiveros marked the celebration of National Teachers’ Month by renewing her call for a ₱15,000 across-the-board monthly wage hike for public school teachers and employees, along with medical discounts, additional health benefits, and stronger pension protection.

Hontiveros is pushing for the passage of two key measures: the Dagdag Sahod for Public Basic Education Teachers and Employees Act (Senate Bill No. 211) and the Healthy Buhay at Hanapbuhay Para sa Guro Act (Senate Bill No. 575). Both seek to raise salaries and improve the welfare of teaching and non-teaching personnel.

“Our teachers dedicate their time, energy, and love to our children every day. As a way of giving back, I want to ensure they receive a salary increase that will help improve their quality of life,” Hontiveros said.

Under SB 211, teachers and personnel will receive a total of ₱15,000 in salary increases, to be implemented in three tranches: ₱6,000 in the first year, ₱5,000 in the second, and ₱4,000 in the third.

Meanwhile, SB 575 proposes a 10% discount and VAT exemption for teachers on medicines and other essential health products. It also seeks additional benefits such as dedicated teachers’ health centers, special wards in Department of Health hospitals, government-paid PhilHealth contributions, medical assistance from the DOH, DSWD, and DepEd, and five days of annual mental health and wellness leave.

“I know many of our teachers suffer from physical pain and illness due to their heavy workload. That is why I want to make sure medicines are more affordable and that they have sufficient health support,” she added.

Hontiveros also emphasized the need to safeguard teachers’ pension contributions.

“I stand with public school teachers and other government employees in calling for the protection of their hard-earned pensions and savings. They deserve peace of mind that when they retire, they will still have something to rely on,” she said.

“By providing salary increases, expanding benefits, and protecting their pensions, we show that our teachers are valued—not just on Teachers’ Day, but every day,” she stressed.