ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro expressed her unwavering solidarity with the University of Santo Tomas Faculty Union (USTFU) as they file a Notice of Strike amid deadlocked negotiations with UST Management over 11 key provisions, including salary increases, rank upgrades, and benefits.

“The struggle of UST faculty members reflects the broader crisis in our education system, where teachers are undervalued despite their critical role in shaping the nation’s future,” Castro said.

“Ang pagtutol ng mga guro sa UST sa kakarampot na inaalok ng administrasyon ay isang makatarungang hakbang na dapat suportahan ng buong sektor ng edukasyon,” she added.

Castro also commended the USTFU for their indefatigable efforts in fighting for economic demands that address longstanding inequities within the university system. Hospitalization benefits, genuine longevity pay, vacation leaves, and salary bonuses remain insufficient and out of reach for many private school teachers, despite rising costs of living.

One of the union’s key demands is the release and distribution of PHP 220 million in tuition fee increases between AY 2020-2021 and AY 2023-2024, which is still being withheld by the administration.

“Nakakaalarma na ang isang institusyon na kumikita ng bilyon-bilyon mula sa walang humpay na pagtaas ng matrikula ay nagdadamot sa mga guro nito,” the solon pointed out.

“The fight for 100% hospitalization benefits to replace the inadequate PHP 100,000 annual coverage is not just about finances—it’s about recognizing the dignity and welfare of those who dedicate their lives to education,” she said.

UST’s prioritization of profit over the welfare of its teachers exemplifies the worsening commercialization of education, which transforms academic institutions from centers of learning into business enterprises where teachers and workers bear the brunt of corporate-style cost-cutting measures.

“We call on the UST administration to negotiate in good faith and recognize the legitimate demands of its faculty. Sa panahong tumataas ang presyo ng bilihin at pangunahing pangangailangan, hindi makatarungang pigilan ang makatarungang dagdag-sahod para sa mga guro,” Castro stated.