MANILA -- Expressing alarm over the reported suicide of teachers
allegedly due to heavy workload, Senator Sonny Angara is pushing for the
passage of the Teacher Protection Bill that aims to promote and improve the
working conditions of public school teachers.
"Lubos po nating ikinalulungkot at ikinababahala ang napabalitang
kaso ng suicide ng dalawang guro kamakailan lamang (We are
deeply saddened and alarmed by the reported case of suicides of two teachers
only recentely). It is not enough that we assist them in terms of raising their
salaries and providing trainings to strengthen their skills. Caring for their
mental health is equally important.
"We must ensure a nurturing and safe school environment not only
for our children, but for our educators as well," Angara said in a news
release issued Tuesday.
With the recent deaths of a teacher in Leyte and in Cavite in just two
months, which are being blamed on their supposed heavy workload, various
teachers groups have urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to look into the
mental health issues of public school teachers.
Angara said the incident underscores the importance of putting in place
the implementing rules and regulations for the Mental Health Law or Republic
Act 11036, so that psychiatric and psychosocial services can be accessible to
public school teachers especially in rural areas where there are larger class
sizes.
The senator has been pushing for wide-ranging reforms, including
increasing their salaries under Senate Bill 135, to improve the quality of life
of public school teachers in the country.
He has also filed SB 1870 or the Teacher Protection Act that seeks to
formulate policies and establish support mechanisms for teachers in matters of
student discipline and classroom management.
Under the proposed measure, the DepEd must ensure that there are enough
guidance counsellors, who will serve as support personnel to teachers in
matters of student discipline.
The DepEd will be also tasked to provide teachers the appropriate
pre-service and in-service training on child behavior and psychology, classroom
management techniques and positive discipline.
"With the increasing burden on teachers due to large class sizes,
multiple shifts each day, and heavier tasks, there is an urgent need to provide
protection to our teachers, who are already deemed overworked and
underpaid," Angara said.
Aside from the salary increase and protection of teachers, other
reforms Angara is pushing for include:
Increasing the chalk allowance to P5,000
from P3,500 under SB 1871; and lowering the optional retirement age from 60
years old to 55 years old under SB 1872.
"Isinusulong natin ang mga repormang ito bilang pasasalamat at
pagpapahalaga sa ating mga guro. Layunin nating tulungan ang bawat teacher at
ang kanilang pamilya na guminhawa ang buhay (We will push for these
reforms to give thanks and importance to our teachers.
Our aim is to help each
teacher and their families to improve their lives)," Angara said, in time
for the celebration of National Teachers Month which begins September 5. (Senate
PR)
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