Overview
Activists condemned what they described as a police dispersal of a peaceful World Teachers’ Day protest in Iloilo City, more than a day before the international observance. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions around funding for public education and the state of teachers’ wages in the Philippines.
Incident Details
On Friday, October 3, a coalition that includes the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Panay, ACT Union Region VI, Kabataan party-list Panay, and Bayan Panay gathered outside the main campus of West Visayas State University to urge improvements in teacher pay, education funding, and governance reforms in the sector. Reported clashes with law enforcement involved patrolmen who allegedly dispersed the group and attempted to seize a megaphone. Protesters said Patrolman Felicito Dusaran Dolar III and another officer from the Iloilo City Police Office claimed they were acting on unspecified higher orders, while others denied such directives.
Reactions and Rights
Activists characterized the actions as a direct attack on constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. They described the dispersal as coercive and intimidating, noting that officers kept the protesters in view with heavy gear, including bulletproof vests. The group emphasized that lawful demonstrations are essential to raising concerns about public education without infringing on the rights of students, teachers, and the broader community.
What It Means for Public Education
Beyond the immediate protest, organizers underscored the broader context: a push for better support for public schools, fair wages for teachers, and transparency in the allocation of education resources. Supporters argue that a well-funded education system benefits communities, students, and the long-term prospects of the region and country. While the incident has drawn attention to the fragility of peaceful protest in the current climate, advocates remain committed to pursuing reforms through lawful, organized channels.
Looking Ahead
As World Teachers’ Day approaches, advocates hope for constructive dialogue with authorities and policymakers. The incident may spur renewed calls for policy accountability and oversight of police actions during demonstrations. Stakeholders urge communities to monitor developments and continue safeguarding the right to assemble and express concerns about education policy in Iloilo City and beyond.
