South Cotabato, Philippines—To address the shortage of teachers and ensure that no out-of-pocket expenses are imposed on parents, the Provincial School Board (PSB) of South Cotabato has hired additional teaching and non-teaching personnel, including utility workers and security guards.
The move aims to bridge the gap in public school staffing while reducing the burden on Parents-Teachers Community Associations (PTCA), which often resort to collecting fees to fund essential school services.
Among the beneficiaries of this initiative is Rex Palomillo, a utility worker who expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am thankful to Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. for this program. It has been a big help to me and my family. Before, my income was not enough, but now I can provide better for my children,” Palomillo shared.
Previously, many schools relied on PTCA contributions to hire non-teaching staff, but with the PSB’s intervention, these expenses are now covered by the provincial government.
This initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to accessible and quality education by ensuring a well-supported workforce in public schools.
