📷ACT NCR Union president Ruby Bernardo
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)-NCR Union welcomes the Department of Education’s recent announcement to double vacation service credits (VSCs) for teachers to 30 days, as a positive step towards addressing the longstanding issues of teacher welfare and rights. This adjustment represents a partial victory for teachers who have long been advocating for fair compensation and recognition of their dedicated service.
“Matagal na itong kampanya at ipinaglalaban ng ACT, kasi wala namang sick leave ang teacher, kaya naman kami nagseserve sa mga araw na dapat nagpapahinga kami kasi gusto namin makakuha ng service credits para magamit kapag nagkasakit kami during school days kaso may limit nga ang pwedeng magamit. Hinihingan pa kami ng kung ano-ano, pahirapan bago magamit kaya masaya kaming marinig ang balitang ito. BUnga na ityo ng sama-samang pagkilos ng guro” said ACT NCR Union president Ruby Bernardo. “The increase in vacation service credits is a much-needed relief, but still we also ask for sick leave for teachers and of course for substantial increase this teachers month”
The new policy grants incumbent teachers with at least one year of service and newly hired teachers appointed within four months after the start of classes, 30 days of VSCs annually. Newly hired teachers whose appointments are issued four months after the start of classes will receive 45 days of VSCs per year. While these changes are beneficial, ACT-NCR emphasizes that further comprehensive reforms are necessary to ensure that teachers can perform their roles effectively and to give quality education for our children. ACT also reiterate it’s call for 50,000 entry-level salary for teachers.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and their well-being directly impacts the quality of education our students receive. We call on our “teachers to continue to unite to win on our struggle” Bernardo added.
ACT-NCR Union remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of teachers, urging the government to prioritize the education sector and invest in its educators, who are essential to shaping the nation’s future.#
