Public school teachers are “drowning in debt” due to persistently low salaries, prompting a renewed call from the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) for an immediate ₱15,000 across-the-board salary increase.

Caloocan City teacher and TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas decried what he described as a “grave injustice” faced by teachers, many of whom are burdened by loans that have led to salary garnishment, legal cases, suspension, and even threats of imprisonment.

“Walang sinumang guro ang dapat mabaon sa utang. Hindi na nga sapat ang sahod, na-garnish pa, anong maiiwan sa pamilya niya? Usapin ito hindi lamang ng kabuhayan, kundi higit pa, ng dignidad,” Basas said.

Basas rejected claims that teachers’ financial struggles stem from poor financial management, calling such assertions a convenient but unjust excuse.

“Linawin po natin, hindi nangungutang ang mga guro para sa luho. Nangungutang sila dahil kapos ang sahod, na hindi sapat kahit sa pangunahing pangangailangan ng pamilya. Kaya masakit marinig na kasalanan pa ng mga guro kung bakit sila nasadlak sa ganitong kalagayan, samantalang biktima rin naman sila, ng barat na pasahod at masisibang loan sharks,” Basas stressed.

The TDC outlined four major reasons driving teachers into debt: medical emergencies, education expenses for dependents and career advancement, housing needs, and out-of-pocket spending for classroom resources.

According to Basas, many teachers are left with no choice but to take loans to cover healthcare costs. “Dahil wala namang plano ang gobyerno para sa kalusugan ng mga guro, isang medical emergency lamang sa pamilya ay sapat na para mabaon sila sa utang,” he said.

He also pointed to the dual burden teachers carry as breadwinners and professionals required to pursue further studies for promotion. “Ang mga guro ang inaasahang magtustos sa pag-aaral ng kanilang mga anak o iba pang kaanak. Dagdag pa rito ang sarili nilang pag-aaral bilang rekisito sa promosyon, kaya pati matrikula ay ipinangungutang pa,” he added.

On housing, Basas noted that the lack of a comprehensive government housing program forces teachers into long-term financial obligations. “Ang simpleng pangarap ng mga guro na magkaroon ng sariling bahay ay nagiging dahilan pa para sila ay habambuhay na mabaon sa utang,” he said.

Basas also criticized the reality that teachers often shoulder classroom expenses themselves.

“Madalas, ang guro na rin ang gumagastos para sa kanyang mga pangangailangan sa pagtuturo—laptop, printer, papel, gadgets, internet access, kahit pa TV sa classroom. Minsan, pati pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral ay galing pa sa bulsa ng guro,” he added.

The TDC argued that all these should be the responsibility of the State.

The group then challenged the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) to take a clear and unequivocal stand on teachers’ salary demands, criticizing what it described as vague and non-committal statements from both past and present officials.

“Hindi puwede ang generic statement na suportado nila ang lahat ng panukala para sa umento sa sahod ng mga guro. Hindi na iyon totoo. Dapat klaro, dapat maliwanag at hindi token,” Basas said.

“Sana naman magsalita si Sec. Sonny Angara at ipahayag na pabor siya sa aming hinihingi. Kung siya kasi mismo ang magtutulak nito, mas madaling makukumbinsi ang mga mambabatas at ang Pangulo mismo,” he added.

The TDC is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) and lawmakers to support legislative measures, particularly Senate Bill 211 and House Bill 4500, both of which seek a ₱15,000 across-the-board salary increase for teaching and non-teaching personnel.

“Simple lamang ang aming kahilingang P15, 000 na umento, at napakaliit nito kumpara sa mga ninanakaw na pondo ng bayan. Hindi ito labis-labis at hindi babagsak ang kaban ng gobyerno kung ito’y ibibigay. Sa halip, matitiyak pa nga ang mas maayos na edukasyon at mas magandang kinabukasan ng bayan,” Basas said.

He also challenged the Marcos administration to act swiftly and decisively.

“Nanawagan kami sa ating Pangulo, Sir, marami na po kayong ipinangako at ipinahayag. Huwag sanang sa salita at papuri lamang ninyo bibigyang-halaga ang mga guro. Ang kailangan namin ay tunay na malasakit na makikita sa gawa. Maniniwala lamang kami na mahal ninyo ang mga guro kung i-certify ninyo ang mga panukalang batas na ito bilang urgent,” Basas said.

TDC is set to lead an initial protest on April 24 in Mendiola, calling on teachers and education workers nationwide to unite.

“Simula pa lamang ito ng mga ikinakasang protesta, hindi lang sa Metro Manila kundi sa buong bansa—at magpapatuloy ito hangga’t nananatiling bingi ang pamahalaan sa hinaing ng mga guro,” Basas ended.

According to the TDC, to ensure national progress, the government must first strengthen the education system and place teachers in a more dignified and sustainable condition. #

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