Teachers in Region VI stage sit-down strike vs corruption

By Juliane Judilla

Teachers across Region VI staged a coordinated sit-down strike on Friday, November 28, to protest corruption, demand salary increases, and call for a larger national education budget.

The protest was organized by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers–Region VI in coordination with the nationwide sit-down strike launched by ACT Philippines.

According to ACT Region VI, about 30 schools joined the regional action—20 in Iloilo City, seven in Iloilo province, and three in Capiz.

Teachers held photo activities across campuses while displaying placards calling for action against corruption, a PHP 50,000 entry-level salary, and proper allocation of funds for the education sector.

Strike posters were prominently displayed inside classrooms.

At Pavia National High School, teachers led anti-corruption discussions in classrooms to highlight what they described as systemic issues within schools.

They cited corruption in procurement, resource allocation, and budget distribution as factors that they said directly affect classroom quality and teacher welfare.

The strike forms part of a broader national campaign urging the government to address issues such as stagnant salaries, delayed benefits, shortages in classrooms and learning materials, and alleged irregularities in school funding.