📷: ACT / FB
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines on Monday criticized the Department of Education’s record-high budget, saying teachers remain burdened with out-of-pocket spending and donations to prepare schools for School Year 2026–2027.
As Brigada Eskwela kicked off nationwide, ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo underscored the disconnect between government pronouncements and classroom realities.
“Teacher naman lagi at mga magulang, mamamayan iyong taya… malinaw po sa inilabas naming survey, 75% po ang nagsasabing gumastos, out-of-the-pocket expenses po talaga ang ginamit ng ating mga guro para sa pagkukumpuni at ng mga kailangan sa eskwela,” she said.
ACT’s survey of nearly 800 schools found that most teachers spent around ₱5,000 from personal funds for repairs and supplies.
The group warned that the problem goes beyond temporary fixes, citing 165,000 classroom shortages nationwide, including 51,000 dilapidated structures flagged for rehabilitation.
Bernardo also raised alarm over new reforms such as the three-term school calendar and the ARAL Program, saying these add responsibilities without adequate consultation or compensation.
“Sa anumang learning recovery ay tingnan din iyong well-being ng ating mga teachers… Para kaming robot, para kaming makina sa tingin ng DepEd na lahat ay isusubo na lang, hindi kami nakukonsulta, at hindi bahagi ng policy making,” she added.
ACT reiterated calls for systemic change, including hiring 150,000 teachers, expanding support staff, and raising the education budget to 6% of GDP. # (RRN)
