The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has called on newly appointed Education Secretary Senator Sonny Angara to address ten critical issues affecting the education sector. 

Angara, who will take over from Vice President Sara Duterte on July 19, is urged to focus on improving teacher welfare and addressing resource shortages in schools.

In a statement, the TDC emphasized the importance of prioritizing educators’ needs. 

They stressed the necessity for Angara to support legislation for teacher salary increases and enforce welfare provisions under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers. 

According to the TDC, these steps are crucial to enhancing the conditions for teachers and students across the country.

“We hope that in the future, clear guidelines for the qualifications of some cabinet members, including the Education Secretary, will be established to ensure appointments are not solely dependent on discretion,” the TDC stated.

The coalition also highlighted the need for Angara to simplify the employee performance rating system and expedite the promotion system for teachers. 

They underscored the importance of engaging with stakeholders, especially teachers, to effectively address these challenges.

“We stand ready to cooperate with Senator Angara to overcome these challenges for the benefit of the education sector,” the TDC affirmed.

The TDC’s recommendations also include providing legal support for teachers facing charges while on duty and implementing measures to reduce administrative tasks for educators. 

They emphasized the necessity of revising the curriculum to align with the country’s socio-cultural context and reinstating Philippine history in high school education.

Senator Angara faces significant challenges as he prepares to lead the Department of Education. 

The TDC expressed their willingness to work with him but also vowed to remain vigilant against any attempts to politicize the department.

“We vow to be vigilant in preventing any attempt to use DepEd for partisan politics,” the TDC stated firmly.

In conclusion, the TDC welcomes Senator Angara to the Department of Education and has requested a meeting at his earliest convenience to discuss their concerns and recommendations.

Senator Angara’s response to these recommendations and his plans for addressing these critical issues will be closely watched as he assumes leadership of DepEd.