CHR backs higher education budget

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed its support for proposed measures on the safe reopening of classes, increase in teachers’ salaries and higher budget appropriation for the education sector.

“As part of the recovery efforts, the reopening of schools is also an opportune time to address gaps that surfaced before and during the pandemic by enacting crucial policies and reforms in the education sector,” CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said yesterday in a press statement.

The commission specifically expressed its support for the Safe School Reopening Bill which seeks to mandate concerned government agencies to implement several measures on safe transition to face-to-face classes such as proper ventilation of learning spaces, on-campus health facilities and supplies, human resources for health, financial support for private educational institutions to implement safety measures, COVID-19 testing program for learners and education personnel and a medical fund for the free treatment of learners and education personnel.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said their group will refile the bill when the 19th Congress opens next week after the proposed measure was not passed during the previous Congress.

The CHR also called for the passage of House Bill 203, which seeks to increase the salaries of teachers.

“Many teachers take on additional odd jobs to support their families, especially given the current rising inflation and peso devaluation. As we put high premium on education, this must also be translated to the value and compensation we accord our educators,” De Guia said.

Furthermore, the commission backed proposed House Bill 1783, which aims to increase the national budget for the education sector.

“As prescribed by the United Nations, the proposed measure seeks to increase the education budget to at least six percent of the country’s gross domestic product or GDP. Adequate budget allocation for education is essential to the attainment of quality and accessible education to ensure that no learner is left behind,” De Guia said.

Lastly, the CHR welcomed the statement of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte that uniforms shall not be required for the coming school year.

“This is a compassionate policy that considers the financial difficulties of indigent families who are unable to afford the cost of uniform due to the rising prices of goods and commodities as well as the economic constraints resulting from the pandemic,” De Guia said.

De Guia, meanwhile, gave assurance that in anticipation of the reopening of classes, the CHR will monitor the situation in schools and “continue to work with all branches of government and stakeholders in upholding the right to education, health, safety and just compensation in the education sector.”