Statement
June 23, 2024
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) Canada stands in solidarity with the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines, its regional unions, and affiliate organizations on their 42nd founding anniversary. ACT is the largest non-traditional teachers organization in the country that advocates for the economic and political welfare of teachers and education workers, as well as defends the youth’s right to national, scientific, and mass-oriented education.
We support ACT in demanding the Marcos Jr. administration to heed the teachers and education workers’ call for substantial salary increases and to abandon its foreign-driven and self-serving agenda. These demands are not only just but essential in improving the lives of teachers and education workers, and, consequently, the quality of education in the Philippines.
ICHRP Canada stands firm in our commitment to echo ACT’s mobilization alongside other workers to assert their rights to decent and living salaries and wages. Together, we strive for a future where the contributions of teachers and education workers are recognized and valued through fair compensation and improved working conditions.
Chronic underfunding has resulted in persistent shortages of classrooms, teachers, support staff, facilities, and learning resources. Overcrowded and overheated classrooms, where underpaid and overworked teachers struggle to manage, have become the norm. This situation has led to a continuous decline in education quality, with no solution in sight.
In solidarity, we call upon peace-loving Canadians, friends and allies in the labour and human rights movement to support this cause and join us in demanding the respect and justice that educators, workers and students in the Philippines deserve.
Mabuhay ang Alliance of Concerned Teachers!
Long live international solidarity!
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For reference: Luthfi Mawarid, Chairperson
Email: info@ichrpcanada.org