The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC)  criticized the use of P10 million in public funds for a storybook by Vice President Sara Duterte, the former Department of Education (DepEd) secretary. 

In a statement on Aug. 22, the coalition acknowledged the project’s goals—to teach reading, promote a reading culture and instill good values—but argued the money would be better spent on improving reading skills and providing quality educational resources for Filipino children. 

“Kung ang nais natin ay matutong magbasa ang mga bata sa primary grades, malayo ang mararating ng sampung milyong piso [If the goals are to teach children to read, promote a reading culture, and instill good values in our students, then P10 million will not go far],” said the TDC.

They stressed the importance of improving reading proficiency, especially for primary-grade students struggling with basic skills. 

The coalition suggested using the funds to identify and train top reading teachers in elementary schools.

“…[M]arami yan sila. May mga likas na talento upang magturo ng pagbabasa sa mga bata. Tipunin sila, bigyan ng malalimang pagsasanay, at sanayin din ang iba pang may potensiyal [Many have a natural talent for teaching kids to read. Gather them, provide advanced training, and train others with potential,” the statement read.

The group also suggested using the funds to provide grants for talented teachers, writers and independent publishers who struggle financially to publish their work.

“Mas maraming magagandang materyales ay mas mabuti para sa sistema ng edukasyon,” they said.

{“The more quality reading materials available, the better it is for the education system.”]

This approach would give schools and parents the freedom to choose suitable reading materials for their children. 

The coalition also emphasized the need to teach moral values and suggested using the funds to create educational materials for subjects like Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP) or Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), available in both print and digital formats. 

Given the current state of education in the Philippines, they stressed that every cent should be wisely spent to meet the learning needs of Filipino children.

They concluded, “Sa unang tingin, maliit ang sampung milyong piso. Ngunit kung gagastahin nang tama, malayo ang mararating nito.”

[“At first glance, P10 million seems small, but if spent correctly, it can go a long way.”]