Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu has filed a bill doubling the salary of entry-level public school teachers.
Mangudadatu said House Bill No. 3539 or “The Public School Teacher’s Salary Increase Act” increases the salaries of entry-level public school teachers from the current P19,077 or Salary Grade 11 to P36,409 or SG 19.
He noted in the explanatory note of his proposal that the teachers’ salary hike was long overde. He pointed out that the compensation rates of Philippine Military Academy cadets and call center agents are even higher than those of educators.
“The increase is like putting a premium not only on our education system, but on the future of our nation,” said Mangudadatu, a former Maguindanao governor.
The lawmaker believes that by providing teachers with the appropriate incentives, it will encourage them further to improve their skills and knowledge, thus, making them more effective in educating and nurturing the Filipino youth to become better citizens.
Mangundadatu said that the bill also seeks to attract the best and the brightest graduates to pursue a career in teaching.
“Aside from motivating our teachers to stay steadfast and satisfied in the teaching profession, this bill also aims to improve their quality of living by providing them an adequate remuneration. The increase would allow them and their families to live comfortably or a reasonable standard of life.” (Ellson Quismorio)
