The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) has condemned the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) sanctioning price hikes for 63 essential goods and commodities, asserting that this decision will exacerbate the economic difficulties teachers and education personnel face as 2025 commences.
“Bagong taon, lumang problema. Instead of providing relief, the Marcos Jr. administration welcomes 2025 by allowing businesses to raise prices of basic commodities that will surely burden our already struggling teachers and their families,” said ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua.
“Sinalubong ng guro ang bagong taon sa sunod-sunod na pahirap tulad ng pagtaas ng contribution sa SSS at planong tanggalan sa porma ng pagsasabatas ng rightsizing. Now we have to deal with price increases in basic goods like canned sardines, instant noodles, powdered milk, and coffee that our teachers rely on to stretch their measly salaries. Barat at mumo na nga ang umento na papatak lamang sa P50 kada araw, tinapatan pa ng sunod-sunod na taas presyo at dagdag singil,” Quetua added.
ACT highlighted that, as a result of the DTI’s action, the starting salary of a public school teacher, which stands at P28,512, will be further strained, particularly in light of additional compulsory deductions and loan repayments.
“The government keeps piling burdens on our teachers while refusing to substantially increase their salaries. How can our teachers focus on teaching when they’re constantly worried about making ends meet? We demand an immediate salary increase for teachers and education workers, not more price hikes that will only worsen our economic situation,” Quetua stressed.
“We call on the Marcos administration to control prices of basic commodities instead of readily approving industry requests for price increases. Our teachers and the Filipino people need economic relief, not more burdens,” concluded Quetua.#
