Sen. Bam backs education reform agenda of teachers' group, eyes more assistance for educators

Re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino has committed to push for the welfare of the education sector, including salary increase to teachers and other education support personnel in public and private educational institutions.

Sen. Bam underscored his support by agreeing to a pledge of commitment with the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT). The senator was represented by his policy head Paola Deles while Joselyn Martinez signed in behalf of ACT as its national chairperson.

"Kasama tayo ng ACT sa isinusulong nilang mga reporma sa sektor ng edukasyon, kabilang na ang dagdag na benepisyo sa ating mga guro na napakalaki ng papel na ginagampanan sa pagpapalago ng lipunan," said Sen. Bam, vice chairman of the Committee on Education.

Aside from the salary increase for teachers, Sen. Bam has promised to work with ACT for the improvement of the benefits package to secure the welfare of education workers and to ensure the sufficient fund for free education in all levels.

The two sides also agreed to work together to review of the education curriculum to make it attuned to the present needs and ensure the full exercise of rights of education workers.

During his time as chairman of the Committee on Education, Sen. Bam worked with ACT in the crafting of the Free College Law, which he pushed as principal sponsor.

"Ang pagpasa ng batas sa libreng kolehiyo ay una pa lang sa mga reporma na nais nating isulong. Kapag tayo'y nakabalik sa Senado, uunahin natin ang dagdag na benepisyo ng ating mga guro," said Sen. Bam.

As part of the Makabayan bloc, ACT is one of the groups that expressed support behind the candidacy of Sen. Bam.

Earlier, Sen. Bam has committed to pursue the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill that will help ensure job availability for K-12 and college students once they receive their diploma.