HUNDREDS of public school teachers, private school educators, and university professors gathered at the House of Representatives on Tuesday for a grand lobbying activity organized by ACT Teachers Party-List and Alliance of Concerned Teachers, pushing for education reforms and improved benefits ahead of the June 8 opening of classes.

The educators urged lawmakers to support legislative measures seeking a P50,000 entry-level salary for teachers and a P5,000 increase in the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA).

According to Antonio Tinio, teachers participating in the lobbying activity met with their respective district representatives to present their proposals and secure congressional backing.

The group said several lawmakers expressed support for the teachers’ demands.

Among those who met with the educators was Marcelino Libanan, who reportedly signed a commitment to co-author measures seeking salary increases and higher PERA for teachers.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Mikaela Suansing also met with the delegation and said proposals for teacher salary increases are already being discussed within the committee.

Following the lobbying activity, Tinio delivered a privilege speech before the House plenary, where he raised concerns over what he described as persistent problems in the education sector.

“Teachers have come here not just to advocate for their own welfare, but to demand that Congress fix a broken education system that is failing our children,” Tinio said.

Tinio criticized the implementation of the three-term school calendar, saying teachers were not meaningfully consulted before the policy was rolled out.

He also raised concerns over textbook availability, claiming that despite continued budget allocations from 2012 to 2023, only a limited number of textbook titles had been procured.

In addition, Tinio questioned the implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program, saying teachers had earlier been assured that participation in the initiative would remain voluntary.

On teacher compensation, Tinio disputed claims that government resources are insufficient to fund salary increases.

During his speech, he also linked education funding concerns to broader issues involving government spending and accountability, citing allegations related to public expenditures and confidential funds.

Tinio further highlighted pending legislative measures backed by ACT Teachers, including proposals on teacher protection, amendments to the Magna Carta for public and private school teachers, and a bill seeking to lower the optional retirement age.

He urged Congress to increase education spending, expand support for teachers, and pass measures aimed at improving compensation and working conditions.

“Teachers have spoken. Congress must listen and act — not with promises, but with concrete legislation and budget allocations that show teachers are valued,” Tinio said.