Gabriela solon warns Arroyo gov't about deteriorating Phil. education vis-a-vis Teachers' salary increase

Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela Women's Party warns the Arroyo government about being responsible for the deterioration of the quality of Philippine education in the light of the adequate compensation that has been the clamor of public school teachers.

"It's time for the Arroyo government to get serious in addressing the problems plaguing the Philippine educational system which have contributed to its deterioration.   Doing so means taking the teachers' basic interests as well," Ilagan said.

Rep Ilagan cited that the Salary Standardization Law III (SSL 3) does not address the needs of the teaching and non-teaching personnel. The SSL was recently approved by the House of Representatives despite vigorous attempts by the progressive solon to uphold the salary increase amounting to P 9,000 based on the computation of the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

"With the rise in the number of students this school opening and the intensifying financial crisis, teachers need more than P1,600 a month increase  within four years which the  SSL 3 provides them," Ilagan said.

Rep Ilagan also mentioned the system breakdown of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) which caused the difficulty of teachers and other government employees to avail of loans and other remuneration to help them cope with the economic crunch.

"How can we expect quality education when a public school teacher, who handles a class of at least 40 pupils, has heavy financial burdens and cannot even avail of a loan due to the irresponsibility of the GSIS?" Ilagan added.

"The delivery of quality education goes hand in hand with teachers leading a quality life being among the indispensable components of the educational system," Ilagan ended. #