As the nation observes World Teachers’ Day 2026 on Monday, an education reform group called on the government to address teachers’ concerns over salaries, workloads, staffing, benefits and the full implementation of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers.
‘Quality education begins with teachers who are respected, protected, adequately compensated, supported, and empowered,’ said the Civil Society Network for Education Reforms (E-Net Philippines) in a statement on Sunday.
E-Net Philippines noted that teacher organizations and advocates have pushed for various salary increases, including a P15,000 across-the-board increase and an entry-level salary of about P50,000.
The group also raised unfilled positions amid a continuing shortage of teachers needed to address rising enrollment and overcrowded classes.
‘These gaps increase teachers’ workloads and reduce the time they can devote to lesson preparation, learner support, assessment, professional development, and their own well-being,’ the group aded.
The group said salary increases, allowances, career progression and other benefits should form part of broader reforms aimed at providing teachers with adequate compensation and ensuring the rights provided under the Magna Carta.
It also highlighted the challenges faced by teachers working in last mile schools, geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, Indigenous communities, conflict and disaster-affected areas and other underserved communities.
‘Sixty years after the enactment of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, teachers should no longer have to repeatedly demand rights already guaranteed by law,’ said the group.
‘Recognition must translate into resources, commitments into budgets, and the Magna Carta into real improvements in teachers’ lives and working conditions,’ the group added.
E-Net also called for a Magna Carta for Private School Teachers to ensure decent pay, benefits, job security and working conditions.