The Alliance of Concerned Teachers called for an increase in the national education budget to at least six percent of GDP to reduce the financial burden on educators and parents.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the raise is needed to cover school repairs and remedial programs without relying on personal funds from teachers and families. ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo stated that this matches the international standard and would ensure adequate resources for facilities, materials, and salaries.
A nationwide survey by the group found that 75 percent of teachers spent their own money on Brigada Eskwela activities. It also showed that 85 percent served as unpaid tutors in the ARAL Program, with 74 percent of participants receiving no overtime pay or transportation allowance.
Bernardo noted that the P8.9 billion allocated for the ARAL Program has not reached teachers, who continue to cover extra costs from their salaries. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the first week of classes, which began on June 8, proceeded generally well despite a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
