Motion and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (ASSERT) held a press conference at Kamuning Bakery Cafe today to debate issues within the education sector ahead of the beginning of 2026-2027 academic yr which is able to open on June 8.
In line with ASSERT, the issues that the education sector faces yearly don’t change.
“This coming start of classes; there’s a classroom shortage of 165,000. There may be 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’s a reform fatigue brought on by education reforms being introduced and immediately implemented without proper preparation and consultation from the teachers.
“Each time there’s a brand new administration, it seems there’s a brand new reform that they should invent — a brand 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 recent reforms in education that DepEd introduces so long as it ensures to deal with the educational proficiency crisis, it’s going to not be an extra burden to public school teachers, and it’s going to ultimately improve the standard of education.
The group said that despite quite a few reforms, the Republic Act (RA) 4670 of 1966 or the Magna Carta for Public Teachers remain unimplemented.
RA 4670 seeks to reinforce the social and economic welfare of public school teachers by improving their living and dealing conditions, employment terms, and profession opportunities, ensuring they continue to be competitive with other professions.
“The Magna Carta has commendable provisions—it only must be implemented. There might be no must draft recent laws. Implementing the Magna Carta is favorable for and is a terrific relief for teachers, “ ASSERT national president Arlene James S. Pagaduan said in Filipino through 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 within 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 issue here is the core subjects that they removed are what develops critical pondering in our students. That’s what helps them to be competent and that’s what they removed. Then it was transformed in accordance with the demands of labor market,” Mr. Pagaduan said through the press conference.
“Additional subjects ought to be added [and the] core subjects that help them develop mustn’t be removed. This can help sharpen the scholars’ minds,” He added.
The group calls for DepEd and the Philippine government to deal with the education crisis from its roots.
“Don’t just introduce reforms that sounds good but doesn’t address the roots of the [education] crisis.” ASSERT said within the statement read by its public relations officer Mary Rose B. Caguillo.
“Education is a public service and first responsibility of the state.” Ms. Caguillo said. — Kaizzer Angel Marie V. Manuba