DILIMAN, Quezon City — Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) group is pushing for the increase to ₱50,000 of the monthly entry level salary for teachers and education Secretary Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara appears to be in favor of the move under a proposed bill filed by party-list representatives Antonio Tinio of ACT and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan.

In an interview, ACT chairman Vladimir Quetua said the proposed increase was raised during their meeting with Angara and the secretary's reaction was favorable.

“His exact reaction was, ‘I don’t have a problem with that (proposed ₱50,000 salary for teachers).’ However, he said that since he is part of the executive, ‘let us just help each other. I will propose it. I will help you with your call, but I will not primarily push for it,’ ” Quetua cited.

The party-list lawmaker added that Angara vowed to address issues raised on the pilot implementation of the amended senior high school program.

The education chief likewise met with Commission on Human Rights (CHR) officials to discuss how to strengthen efforts in teaching human rights among learners in public schools so they will become responsible and good citizens in the future.

In the meeting, CHR commissioner Beda Epres gave learning and instructional materials for teachers, which can be used as a guide in teaching human rights concepts.

Aside from the two issues, the Department of Education (DepEd) also vowed to intensify efforts to combat bullying which has become prevalent of late in several schools across the