Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro is pushing for the prompt release of the adjusted salary of teachers as part of the department’s thrust to upgrade the quality of education in public schools.

Luistro said he will present to President Aquino a set of urgent concerns foremost of which is the salary adjustment of teachers. “To deliver quality education, we should always prioritize the professional advancement and personal welfare of our hardworking teachers," said Luistro.

An association of public school teachers nationwide has pressed DepEd for the prompt implementation of the salary adjustment of teachers under the Salary Standardization Law III (SSL3) approved by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in June last year.

While the teachers said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will be delayed in releasing the increases in salary, Luistro said DepEd will support teachers in their call for its immediate release. The teachers expected the adjustment to have taken effect on Jan. 1, 2010 since budget planning is in calendar years.

"These salary increases are already embodied in the law. We'll be happy to make representations with DBM on behalf of our teachers," he said.

Luistro explained that when the adjustments are fully implemented, teachers will be enjoying a starting salary of more than P20,000 from P16,000 while master teachers will have a salary of P33,000 from P26,000.

“We assure the teachers that DepEd will continue to push for incentives to be given to teachers who displayed outstanding performance,” Luistro said.