CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The exodus of skilled educators seeking higher-paying jobs abroad has created a void in the Philippine education system, impacting state universities and colleges that struggle to fill permanent positions left vacant. Despite the implementation of the Salary Standardization Law four years ago, enticing educators to remain in the country remains a challenge.
Even with the promise of improved salaries through the four-tranche salary schedule adjustments, educators continue to depart for opportunities abroad as soon as a glimpse of better prospects arises.
Licensed teachers and other professionals find themselves drawn to overseas positions that offer salaries up to five times higher than what they currently earn in the Philippines. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the dwindling presence of top talents within the country’s education sector.
In a recent forum held on August 18 in Cagayan de Oro, Freddie Bernal, Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Northern Mindanao, shed light on this challenge. He highlighted that licensed teachers and other professionals are often offered salaries up to five times higher than what they currently earn within the country, making overseas opportunities irresistible.
Beyond salary considerations, educators are lured by opportunities for career advancement that are readily offered by host countries. These enticing incentives further contribute to the departure of skilled professionals from the local education landscape.
The impact of this trend is evident in the gaps left within educational institutions. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently released information about the numerous unfilled permanent positions in various government agencies. For instance, the Department of Education (DepEd) has over 7,000 unfilled positions out of the approved and funded permanent items nationwide.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is facing 140 vacancies across the 17 regions, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) requires an additional 938 personnel this year, according to the DBM document.
In Northern Mindanao, eight state universities and colleges (SUCs) are grappling with the need for 623 qualified applicants to fill vacancies. These institutions include Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Bukidnon State University, Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology, Central Mindanao University, University of Science and Technology in Southern Philippines, Northern Bukidnon State College, Camiguin Polytechnic State College, and USTSP-Claveria Campus.
The allure of higher salaries and better prospects for career development present a significant challenge to the Philippines’ efforts to retain its educators and strengthen its education system. As the country strives to maintain its position in the region, it must address these issues to ensure a stable and effective education sector for the future generations.
