May 11, 2024 - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has been criticized for the slow progress in studying the salary increase for teachers. The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has expressed its disappointment over the “snail-paced” study, reiterating its call for the government to prioritize the welfare of teachers amid challenges in the education sector.
The DBM had hinted at a budgetary allocation of more than P16 billion for government employees, including teachers. According to the meeting held with TDC leaders in October 2023, the increase, which amounts to 2 to 8 percent of the current salaries, will take effect within the first to second quarter of 2024.
However, the TDC has expressed concern over the delay in the implementation of the salary increase. Despite knowing the increase would be very small, teachers are anticipating the increase this year, citing the agency’s public pronouncements last year and those confirmed by officials during a dialogue with DBM and TDC leaders in October 2023.
TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said in Filipino, "When it comes to the welfare of teachers, the government decides very slowly,". He added, "Salary increases for us are elusive, and if there is one, it is very small and often delayed,".
The DBM, through Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran on April 15, 2024, responded with an open-ended statement: “The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) are currently collaborating on the engagement of a consulting firm to conduct a Compensation and Benefits Study in the Public Sector, with the end in view of setting a competitive, financially sustainable, and equitable compensation package for government personnel, including that of teachers.”.
The TDC has called on the DBM to provide a status update on the said salary increase, stressing the veracity of the increase, the amount, and the timeline. The group has also urged the government to prioritize the welfare of teachers amid the challenges in the education sector