Press Release
July 24, 2009

Recognizing the important role of educators in honing students' academic excellence
ANGARA BATS FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR TEACHER'S DEPENDENTS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pushed for additional benefits for dependents of teachers acknowledging their huge contribution in the advancement of education in the country and as a response to the needs of our educators in relation to the current high cost of living.

"There will be no outstanding students if it were not for their persistent instructors. They are our unsung heroes and should not be neglected as they plan an important role in shaping the minds of our future society," emphasized Angara, former UP President.

UNESCO Institute of Statistics 2007 data declared that 15.2% of government spending goes to education with more than half of the budget allocated to primary education development programs. However, the 2008 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook reported that the Philippines placed 53rd out of 55 surveyed countries in terms of total public expenditure on education per capita with only India and Indonesia lagging behind us.

"These data on the current state of our education is disturbing and is significantly adding and reflecting to the country's poverty dilemma. As much as education is vital as an indicator of a nation's growth, its main channel - the teachers, should be granted with proper and appropriate benefits by giving their dependents certain assistance," suggested Angara.

SB 881 seeks to amend the Magna Carta of Public School Teachers that will provide teachers additional benefits through scholarship grants and free medical treatments for their dependents and the right to receive pension in case of disability of teacher. Furthermore, it also encourages teachers to form cooperatives in their own municipalities to help promote their economic welfare.

He added, "It is hoped that through this bill, our teachers will be motivated to work even harder in their task of shaping the minds of our students. As we develop more competent and dedicated teachers, we can be assured of quality education for our youth, and for our nation - towards a better and enlightened future generation."

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