MANILA — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and ACT Teachers Party-list held a protest action in Mendiola Monday, on the eve of the school opening in the country.

ACT and ACT Teachers Party-list pointed out the 2010 Department of Education (DepEd) budget is lower than last year’s: from P174.46 billion in 2009 to P172.84 billion for 2010. The budget reduction in basic education came at a time when shortages of more than 54,000 teachers, 4,538 principals and 6,473 headteachers; 61,343 classrooms, 816,291 seats and 113,051 water and sanitation facilities have been reported by DepEd.



In stark contrast, P746.175 biillion has been allocated for debt payments.

ACT challenged President-elect Nonoy Aquino to implement a policy of reducing debt payments and rechannelling of funds to education and other social services. (Photos courtesy of Judy Taguiwalo / Alliance of Concerned Teachers) / (Bulatlat.com))