PASSION VS. COMPENSATION: BEING A PUBLIC-SCHOOL TEACHER DURING THE PANDEMIC

Leonila L. Quizon

The Philippines was caught off guard when COVID-19 officially entered the country last January 2020. The inevitable outbreak compelled Filipinos to change their lifestyle and everyday routine. Everyone was forced to observe the new normal and one of the most affected sectors education.

Since most educational concerns were concentrated toward the welfare of students, the situation of teachers was often overlooked and downplayed, especially on the financial aspect. Furthermore, with the ongoing proposition of reopening schools for physical classes next year, teachers will be forced to bite the bullet without just compensation for pandemic-imposed risks.

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced during a virtual conference that there will be several benefits to be provided to public school teachers in the succeeding months. As stated by DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla, the department is already coordinating with the Employees Compensation Commission, PhilHealth, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for benefit packages.

Due to the unanticipated health crisis, DepEd’s budget for 2020 does not include any COVID-related benefits for teachers and non-teaching staff. In response, Senators brought forward the issue on a senate meeting last September. Senator Riza Hontiveros said that the agency must safeguard adequate funding for medical assistance lest teaching professionals and other staff get sick. Along with medical benefits, she also added that they should be given additional allowance for internet connectivity and printing of academic resources. The senator insists the need of implementing RA 4670 which provide programs for promotion and improvement of the welfare of teachers. “The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers is meant to give our teachers protection like medical benefits and hazard pay,” she said.

On a senate budget debate last November 2020, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian pointed out the absence of medical benefit for teachers from the Department of Education's (DepEd) proposed Php 562 billion budget for 2021. "The COVID-19 pandemic is a medical issue and the medical benefit is a good source for them to address this medical issue," he declared.

In contrary, Senator Pia Cayetano, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and Sponsor of the DepEd’s budget, refused to have separate funds for the medical allowance, insinuating that it is the teachers’ discretion if they will use the Php 5000 (previously 3500) “chalk” allowance for medical needs. The pecuniary amount was augmented by senators through the Teaching Supplies Allowance Act of 2020 (Senate Bill No. 1092) for teachers to have extra cash to spend under the blendedlearning system. "I just don't want there to be an overlapping because as PhilHealth members they will also be getting this konsulta. I just want to be consistent with the very limited funding that we have," Cayetano explained, noting the upsurge in the government expenditures next year because of the expected COVID-19 vaccines.

Like any other professional, teachers found themselves caught in the crossroad of the new normal, whether to prioritize their health and safety or to do their obligation as members of the work force. The pandemic presented alarming circumstances which caused people to be more reserved. Despite the uncertainties, teachers stood up and put themselves in line of danger just to make sure learning won’t be hampered. It is without a doubt that their dedication made the opening of classes possible and successful. It’s just saddening to know that they’re not being valued right.

It is understandable that there are new expenses to be taken in consideration but that doesn’t mean that the welfare of the labor force needs take the back seat. In finance, risk and return are directly associated. The higher the risk, the higher the return. With the virus looming around, teachers are compromising not only their health but also the safety of their family, a just and fair compensation is nothing but reasonable. Even before the on-going pandemic, teaching is already one of the most underpaid professions. People choose to teach because of passion and not because of the remuneration. However, even passion runs out when mistreated and taken for granted.

Educators guide children to ensure their bright future but who will insure teachers from the harm this contagion brings?

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The author is Teacher II at San Nicolas Elementary School