Faculty Regent holds consultation with UP Diliman basic education faculty on job security, well-being
The UP Office of the Faculty Regent (OFR) convened faculty members from the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) and the UP College of Education for a crucial discussion on their working conditions and welfare. Titled “BATAYAN: Pagbabalita’t Talakayan tungo sa Kaayohan ng UP Basic Education Faculty,” the consultation took place on February 10, 2025, at Room 108, Benitez Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The dialogue underscored the mounting challenges faced by basic education (BE) faculty, including excessive workloads, the rise of contractual employment, and the persistent lack of plantilla (permanent) positions. Participants voiced concerns over job security, economic stability, and the need for stronger academic freedom and democratic governance within the university. Ruby Ana Bernardo, president of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Union-NCR, provided insight into the dire situation of BE teachers across the National Capital Region, highlighting their parallel struggles with UP educators—from work overload and inadequate compensation to the fight for job security. Bernardo also shed light on the alarming cases of red-tagging and vilification faced by ACT Union leaders and members who assert their rights. Despite these threats, the union has made significant strides, successfully negotiating a collective negotiation agreement (CNA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) to uphold the rights and welfare of public school teachers. UP Faculty Regent Early Sol Gadong shared the issues and resolutions raised during the Basic Education Summit held last year and, with Teacher Katrina Paula Ortega, director-at-large of the All UP Academic Employees Union, detailed the specific hardships confronting UPIS faculty, including: Academic Burdens. Heavy workloads, sluggish hiring processes, high attrition rates, and the absence of clear policies on teaching load credits, especially regarding research expectations. Faculty Well-being. Lack of mental health support and inadequate workplace conditions that exacerbate the mental toll of overwork. Economic Security. Delayed salary releases for newly hired faculty and the urgent need for additional benefits such as shuttle services and housing support. Academic Freedom and Governance. Calls for the establishment of a system-wide Committee on the Promotion and Protection of Academic Freedom and Human Rights, alongside demands for greater transparency and democratic governance, and protection of academic freedom in UP’s basic education units. Ortega also outlined the Academic Union’s efforts to address these concerns and mobilize faculty members to collectively push for systemic reforms at the local, university, and national levels. The discussion extended to broader issues, such as inconsistencies in crediting systems across UP’s four BE units and concerns over the standardization of quality assurance evaluations. UPIS teachers expressed willingness to sustain the dialogue and strengthen collective efforts to implement resolutions and push for meaningful reforms. Faculty Regent Gadong stressed that real, lasting improvements in faculty welfare and institutional policies can only be achieved through sustained, organized action. The consultation closed with a strong call for unity and continued advocacy to secure the rights and well-being of UP’s basic education faculty.