Some Filipinos suggested higher salaries and more classrooms as ways to honor teachers instead of a “concert.”
This is after the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that a musical tribute for teachers will be aired live through the Konsyerto sa Palasyo Facebook account on October 1.
The presentation itself will be held at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang.
“Isang gabing puno ng musika mula sa ating mga talentadong magtatanghal ang alay natin para sa ating mga pinakamamahal na mga guro,” the announcement reads.
Details about the lineup of performers and the attendance of the teachers at the event were not provided in the announcement.
According to Malacañang, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. initiated the concert himself.
Some Filipinos welcomed this initiative based on their heart reactions to the post.
Veteran actor Romnick Sarmenta, however, called for more classrooms and a better educational system in the country instead.
“Di po concert ang kailangan. Silid paaralan, at mas malinaw at matatag na sistema ng edukasyon para sa lahat,” Romnick posted.
“Yung tutoong demokrasya, na maibahagi sa mga bata ang tunay na kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Yung kalayaang magtanong, nang di nadadampot at biglang nawawala,” he added.
Di po concert ang kailangan. Silid paaralan, at mas malinaw at matatag na sistema ng edukasyon para sa lahat. Yung tutoong demokrasya, na maibahagi sa mga bata ang tunay na kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Yung kalayaang magtanong, nang di nadadampot at biglang nawawala.
— Romnick Sarmenta (@Relampago1972) September 18, 2023
Other Filipinos also cited more educational resources, higher pay, renovation of school facilities, and other needs that the government should meet to honor teachers effectively.
“If you really want to honor teachers, then give them the things that they have been asking for YEARS (classrooms, materials, A RAISE),” an X user said.
“Is it really better than raising their salaries, building more schools, and providing adequate resources to both teachers and students? Is that how they really see what it’s like to be a teacher?” another Filipino on the X app said in reference to the upcoming tribute.
“Dagdag sahod kailangan namin hindi concert,” a teacher on the X app also said.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Philippines and other educators have been clamoring for an increase in teachers’ salaries, additional classrooms and teachers, and mental health benefits, among others since last year.
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Last September, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that building more classrooms and other facilities is a “top priority.”
“That is a top priority of this administration. Gusto nating magpatayo ng more school buildings, classrooms, as well as supply enough school furniture for our learners and teachers,” DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa was quoted in a report as saying.
Poa also said that DepEd will be hiring more teachers next year.
“For next year, we are also looking, as per our budget, to hire more teachers dahil naintindihan natin na may situwasyon na loaded talaga ang ating teachers and that’s something we are bent on resolving,” he was quoted in a report as saying.
DepEd is headed by Vice President Sara Duterte.
