Press Release
September 5, 2012

Cayetano: If we want our country to prosper, then we have take care
of our teachers (in celebration of National Teachers' Month)

Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano urged the government to seek to implement the full provisions of Magna Carta for Public School Teachers Act, specifically the delivery of benefits stated in the law.

Cayetano echoed the call as the country observes and celebrates the National Teachers' Month.

"It is no longer merely enough to pay tribute to their dedication and commitment as teachers, we must translate out appreciation in more concrete forms," the senator said.

"The Magna Carta has been there since 1966, but there are still major provisions in that law that have yet to be fully implemented," he said. "How long must our public teachers wait before they enjoy the full benefits mandate by law?" he asked.

He reiterated pleas of various teachers groups including the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) to the government to demonstrate its avowed support by making the Magna Carta a reality for public school teachers.

He noted that while the salary grades of public teachers have improved, he said the plight and welfare of the teachers "must be served to the fullest since we concede that the role of teachers is "the single most influential factor" behind the education of the country's youth."

The lawmaker earlier filed Senate Bill 2353 seeking to further increase the salary of public school teachers by P9,000. The proposed salary increase will be given in tranches for three years.

He urged his colleagues in the Senate to work overtime in addressing the plight of teachers nationwide.

"If we want our country to prosper, if we want a better future, then we have to start taking care of our teachers," he said.

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