The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) criticized the reported P20 million budget for President Marcos’ upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), condemning it as a lavish expenditure amid the “dire state” of Philippine education.
ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua argued that the government should allocate funds to address critical shortages in classrooms, teachers, and facilities rather than on a one-day event.
As the new school year approaches, ACT called for substantial teacher salary increases, doubling the education budget, and scrapping wasteful confidential funds.
The group gave a “critically unsatisfactory” mark to Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte for their performance in education over the past two years.
ACT members plan to join a protest march during the SONA to demand better support for the education sector.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 22, 2024
