Teachers’ group urges government to go beyond reforms and address roots of education crisis

Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (ASSERT) held a press conference at Kamuning Bakery Cafe today to discuss issues in the education sector ahead of the start of 2026-2027 academic year which will open on June 8.

According to ASSERT, the problems that the education sector faces every year do not change.

“This coming start of classes; there is a classroom shortage of 165,000. There is a shortage of 30,000 teachers,” ASSERT Central Luzon Union council representative Ediesa P. Mendoza  said in Filipino while reading the group’s official statement.

The group also said that there is a reform fatigue caused by education reforms being introduced and immediately implemented without proper preparation and consultation from the teachers.

“Every time there’s a new administration, it seems there’s a new reform that they need to invent — a new direction.” Ms. Mendoza said in Filipino while reading their statement.

“It disrupts the continuity and long-term planning [of the education system],” she added.

ASSERT said that they welcome new reforms in education that DepEd introduces as long as it ensures to address the learning proficiency crisis, it will not be an additional burden to public school teachers, and it will ultimately improve the quality of education.

The group said that despite numerous reforms, the Republic Act (RA) 4670 of 1966 or the Magna Carta for Public Teachers remain unimplemented.

RA 4670 seeks to enhance the social and economic welfare of public school teachers by improving their living and working conditions, employment terms, and career opportunities, ensuring they remain competitive with other professions.

“The Magna Carta has commendable provisions—it only needs to be implemented. There will be no need to draft new laws. Implementing the Magna Carta is favorable for and is a great relief for teachers, “ ASSERT national president Arlene James S. Pagaduan said in Filipino during the press conference.

ASSERT also discussed the recent report of The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) which showed that 87% of grade 11 student in the Philippines are below the grade-level reading expectation and the pilot implementation of the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum under Division Memorandum (DM) 036, s. 2026.

“The problem here is the core subjects that they removed are what develops critical thinking in our students. That is what helps them to be competent and that is what they removed. Then it was transformed according to the demands of labor market,” Mr. Pagaduan said during the press conference.

“Additional subjects should be added [and the] core subjects that help them develop should not be removed. This will help sharpen the students’ minds,” He added.

The group calls for DepEd and the Philippine government to address the education crisis from its roots.

“Don’t just introduce reforms that sounds good but does not address the roots of the [education] crisis.” ASSERT said in the statement read by its public relations officer Mary Rose B. Caguillo.

“Education is a public service and primary responsibility of the state.” Ms. Caguillo said. — Kaizzer Angel Marie V. Manuba