On National Teachers day
ANGARA BATS FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara is pushing for the amendment of the Magna Carta for Teachers, granting additional benefits to public school teachers and their dependents in the form of scholarship grants, free medical treatment and pension.

"This is a simple way to recognize the dedication of our teachers who tirelessly educate our youth. They are the heart of the country's education system," he said.

Angara laments that "of all government employees, teachers have lagged behind in salaries, incentives and training. The low salaries received by our public school teachers have been a major disincentive for them to improve their skills in teaching and pursue further education and training. If we aspire to improve the quality of education in our country we must motivate our teachers, re-train and reward them for their efforts."

Senate Bill 881, an act providing benefits to dependents of public school teachers amending for the purposes of Republic Act 4670 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, provides medical examination and treatment, educational benefits and pension. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall be in charge of implementation. The bill also seeks to give teachers the right to form cooperatives in order to provide credit and self employment.

Angara emphasized that the bill will serve as a huge motivation to teachers to work harder towards developing the future of our nation and creating an enlightened generation.

"Teachers are the unsung heroes of our time. People seldom recognize the role that educators play in promoting learning and molding our youth. Government should therefore ensure that the performance and the morale of teachers are kept at the highest level," said Angara, one of the country's staunchest advocates of education reforms.

Angara, former President of the University of the Philippines, is the author of landmark education laws including the Free High School Act, the laws creating CHED and TESDA and the massive scholarship program Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE).