Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas on Monday pushed for the passage of a proposed measure increasing teachers’ salaries as a way to “truly recognize” their efforts.
The Quezon representative filed House Bill 4070 which aims to raise the minimum salary grade level of public school teachers from the current Salary Grade (SG) 11 (P25,439 per month) to SG 19 (P49,835 per month).
“To truly recognize our noble teachers who shape the minds that shape the nation, we need to ensure that their compensation corresponds with their workload. We hope to have good news regarding their salary upgrade in time with World Teachers’ Day next month,” Vargas, an assistant majority leader said.
The measure remains pending at the House Committee on Appropriations.
Teacher organizations have been lobbying for salary increases since the 18th Congress, arguing that Republic Act 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law of 2019 was not enough to sustain the rising cost of living.
Vargas, at the same time, commended the Department of Education and the Department of Budget and Management for what he called the much-awaited release of a P11.6-billion performance-based bonus for teachers in public elementary and secondary schools in various regions nationwide.
“All teachers are performers in their profession. Despite the different struggles they face, they manage to keep up with the delivery of education to our students. They deserve all the praise and incentives,” Vargas said.
Vargas also appealed to fellow legislators to support the enactment of several bills that will help uplift the lives of teachers as well as uphold their rights and welfare.
Vargas authored several pro-teacher bills, such as: Teaching Supplies Allowance Bill (HB 4072); Distant Public School Teachers Incentive Bill (HB 4073), Health Care for Teachers Bill (HB 4074); and Housing Program for Teachers Bill (HB 4075), among others.
“Since the time of my brother, Alfred Vargas, in the Lower House, we continue to advocate for our educators. We recognize their plight and sacrifices in the different areas of their lives while maintaining the standard of education our kids deserve,” Vargas said.