P10,000 pay hike proposed for public school teachers

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 21, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Department of Education

Senator JV Ejercito is pushing for a proposed P10,000 increase in the basic monthly salary of public school teachers, regardless of their length of service.

Senate Bill No. 335, or the Dagdag Suweldo Para sa mga Guro Act, seeks to recognize teachers’ vital role while helping ease the financial pressures they face.

Ejercito said teachers do more than classroom instruction, taking on lesson preparation, paperwork, grading and mentoring while making significant personal sacrifices.

He said improving teachers’ financial welfare could also help retain skilled educators and attract more talent to the public school system.

For Ejercito, quality education cannot be achieved if teachers themselves continue to struggle financially.

Beyond the proposed salary increase, he said the measure would send a message that the government recognizes and values the contribution of teachers to Filipino society.