By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A teachers’ group in Bacolod City has expressed their dismay that the salary increase, being pushed by public school teachers nationwide, was not included in the 2023 national budget.

In a radio interview last week, Bacolod City Public School Teachers Federation President Richard Gelangre said it seems that the officials of the national government are more focused on raising taxes.

Gelangre said most of the public school teachers feel that they are below the poverty line due to the rising cost of commodities, and the low pay they are receiving.

He also noted that a lot of the teachers are also suffering from illnesses.

The federation president said they are awaiting the response from Department of Education Undersecretary Michael Poa, who revealed that there will be “non-monetary” benefits for public school teachers.

He also did not discount the possibility that public school teachers may call for a nationwide strike if their demands for a salary increase are not met next year./DGB, WDJ