📷: QCPSTA | FB
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Friday hailed the nationwide sit-down strike as a “resounding success,” reporting that at least 237 schools across 34 major cities and provinces in 14 regions joined the protest during the first half of the day. The group expects more educators to participate in the afternoon sessions.
Despite directives from some Department of Education (DepEd) offices discouraging participation and warnings of possible “consequences,” teachers across the country transformed their classrooms into spaces of protest and political education. Regular instruction was suspended as educators held alternative classes tackling corruption, bureaucrat capitalism, and the worsening crisis in the education sector.
ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo underscored the legitimacy of the action, rejecting attempts to intimidate teachers.
“Ang protesta ng teachers ngayon ay ligal at lehitimo, at para sa ikabubuti ng buong bayan. No memo, no threat, and no bureaucratic scare tactic can silence our demand for justice, a living wage, and an end to systemic corruption,” Bernardo said.
She added that the strike fulfilled the deeper mission of education.
“Once again, teachers have made history. Today, we have especially fulfilled the ultimate goals of education, which is to espouse social justice, human rights, environmental protection, and good governance.”
Teachers’ Demands
The nationwide action highlighted four urgent demands:
– Doubling the education budget to address shortages in classrooms, personnel, and basic needs
– A living wage and long-overdue salary upgrading
– Accountability for widespread corruption that has eroded schools, communities, and public trust
– Meaningful systemic change to end the cycle of crisis in public education
Bernardo emphasized that the strong turnout reflected the determination of teachers to fight for a school system that truly serves the people.
“Ang lakas ng loob at pagkakaisa ng mga guro ang nagpasya ngayong araw. If the government refuses to fix the crisis, teachers will continue to act collectively—and the movement will only grow stronger.”
Escalating the Struggle
ACT vowed to intensify its campaign for justice, accountability, and genuine reform in the education sector.
“Hangga’t nananatiling bulok ang sistemang pumapatay sa serbisyo publiko, patuloy na lalaban ang makabayan, militante at progresibong mga guro,”* Bernardo concluded.
The alliance said the sit-down strike marks a significant step in the growing movement of educators demanding not only decent pay but also systemic change in the country’s education system. (ZIA LUNA)
