Human Rights Online Philippines

Teachers vow for more protests
July 29, 2014

 

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) on Tuesday warned of more massive protest after the president’s SONA speech on Monday did not mention of assurance that a salary increase will be provided for the 600, 000 state mentors next year.

“Very frustrating!” Said Benjo Basas, a public school teacher from Caloocan City and the national chairperson of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) after the president’s state of the nation address yesterday. “We never actually expected for some beautiful announcement, but because of the present situation of teachers, we believe the president would be caring enough to initiate his approval of our demand for P10, 000 across the board increase.” Basas continued.

During a protest action last weekend, the group gave President Aquino a failing mark for his failure to decisively address the problems of education sector particularly the insufficient allocation of budget especially in implementing the ambitious K-12 program. They also participated in a huge SONA rally yesterday to press for their demands.

“In his last two years in office, we dare him to prioritize the education sector and the teachers. It seems that the politicians, most of them are crooks were his favorite during his four-year term providing them with so many pork and other perks. Now is the time to think about us, to think about the ordinary people.”

Basas said that a series of mass actions and creative protests that will culminate in a huge rally in October will fill the streets of Metro Manila and other urban areas of the country.
“Teachers and education should not be neglected. They should be put in priority list.” Basas ended. #

Reference: Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson, 09205740241

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