A teachers' group on Monday said that the successful school opening must not mask the persistent and deeply rooted problems that continue to plague the country's public education system.
According to Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) national chairperson Benjo Basas, they have received reports from the ground that this year’s opening is marred by the same unresolved issues: shortages in classrooms, learning materials aligned with the new curriculum, functional toilets, clean water, and adequate school furniture.
"These are not new and yet, year after year, we face the same scenario," Basas said in a statement.
He also underscored that teacher shortage remains a serious concern, resulting in heavier workloads and overcrowded classrooms.
"Equally alarming is the continued disregard for teacher welfare, including poor salaries, minimal benefits and the long-standing neglect of key provisions of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers. These include overtime pay, paid study leave, medical benefits and hardship allowance—rights that remain under-implemented nearly six decades after the law was enacted," Basas said.
The TDC called on the Department of Education (DepEd) and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to go beyond mere acknowledgments and take decisive, concrete action.
"There must be a stronger and sustained push for adequate budgetary support from Congress to finally resolve these problems. If the President is truly sincere, he should visit a public school at least once every quarter—not for show or media exposure, but to gain genuine insight and engage in meaningful consultation with teachers and learners," Basas said.
"If the government is serious about pursuing real and lasting education reform, it must start by upholding the rights and welfare of teachers, providing the necessary support and ensuring fair compensation. No curriculum, no infrastructure and no program will ever succeed if those tasked with implementing them are demoralized, overworked, underpaid and underappreciated," Basas added.
Meanwhile, the TDC commended public school teachers for their unwavering commitment and readiness for the opening of the new school year.
"Despite perennial challenges, teachers showed up prepared, passionate, and resilient," Basas said.