On World Teachers’ Day, Filipino educators and advocates turned what could have been a celebration into a call for accountability, condemning what they described as government neglect and rampant corruption plaguing the country’s education system.
In a press briefing on Sunday, the Civil Society Network for Teachers called for genuine reforms in the education system.
“Bawal kumurap, walang kukurap. Panagutin, panagutin ang lahat ng corrupt. (No one should turn a blind eye. Hold all the corrupt accountable.) Stop corruption, education sagipin (save education). Magna Carta ng Guro, ipatupad (Implement the Magna Carta for Teachers),” the groups chanted.
They sought for the implementation of the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 4670 or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers. The law aims to promote and improve the social and economic status of public educators, their living and working conditions, and their terms of employment, among others.
They also demand salary increases for teachers citing their growing fiscal inadequacy while having a heavy workload.
Last week, the Philippine Normal University-University Student Council (PNU USC) staged a walk-out rally of education students in Manila. Among the concerns raised were repeated cuts to the education budget, low salaries and compensation for teachers, and a commercialized university system.
In a social media post, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured the teachers of their support in every step of the way.
“For every lesson you have taught, for every child you have guided, thank you for your tireless dedication of time, talent, and concern. It may not always be easy, but because of you, the path of every Filipino child continues to be illuminated,” the post read in Filipino.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledged the educators’ hard work, perseverance, and tireless love that shape the youth. A Mid-School Year Wellness Break for learners and teachers has been scheduled on October 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 pursuant to DepEd Order No. 12, Series of 2025.
For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte said she recognizes the important role our teachers play in fostering a strong nation and a bright future for the youth.
“We are not unaware of the sacrifices you make to shape their abilities, knowledge, and the foundation of their values and character. Today, we all pay tribute to your great contribution to the development of your profession and to the advancement of the potential and skills of Filipino youth,” she said in Filipino.
Senator Francis Pangilinan likewise paid tribute to Filipino teachers who he said serve as the country’s surrogate parents, nurturing the nation’s future leaders with patience, strength, and dedication.
“If the youth are the future and the hope of the nation, then the teacher is the molder of that future and the builder of that hope,” he said.
Pangilinan shared that his mother, Emma, taught at the University of the Philippines Preparatory School in the 1960s and later established a preschool at home to support their large family.
He also recalled his own experience as an educator, teaching Legal Management courses at Ateneo de Manila University for seven years.
Today, he continues to teach organic farming at his Sweet Spring Country Farm, where he mentors students and aspiring farmers.
Pangilinan vowed to prioritize teachers alongside farmers and fisherfolk in ensuring proper budget allocations and addressing the worsening state of education.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, earlier assured that the 2026 national budget will fully cover the ₱12.3 billion deficit in free higher education accumulated between 2022 and 2025.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Gatchalian said the upcoming budget will also address a projected ₱3.33 billion shortfall for 2026, based on data from the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges.
He urged the Department of Budget and Management, the Commission on Higher Education, and state universities to develop a consistent formula for funding projections to avoid future gaps.
Gatchalian warned that previous shortfalls hindered universities from investing in new facilities and programs vital to improving education quality.
Senator Loren Legarda also honored educators as she received an honorary Doctor of Education degree over the weekend from Nueva Vizcaya State University for her education reform advocacy.
She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening teacher welfare, supporting free higher education, and promoting lifelong learning as key pillars of national progress.
“Every measure I have authored or sponsored forms part of a larger design to secure the continuum of the Filipino learner’s journey, from early childhood to higher education, and to the unending pursuit of knowledge,” the senator concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, Batangas State University (BSU)’s president, described teachers as the true changemakers of the nation.
“At [BSU], The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), your impact extends far beyond the classroom. You spark curiosity, cultivate creativity, and inspire our Red Spartans to pursue excellence, embrace challenges, and engineer the future with innovation and purpose,” he said.
