ZAMBOANGA CITY — In a move aimed at strengthening the local education sector and curbing unemployment, Mayor John Dalipe has approved the extension of employment for 54 Local School Board (LSB) teachers until December 2025.
The decision underscores the city’s proactive stance in addressing the longstanding shortage of public school teachers — a national concern that affects the delivery of quality education, especially in underserved communities. The continued employment of LSB teachers will support both elementary and secondary public schools in the city, where classrooms are often overcrowded and teaching loads remain heavy.
The intervention is part of Mayor Dalipe’s broader education agenda, which includes the establishment of new high schools to expand access to basic education and ensure academic competitiveness for all Zamboangueños. In his recent State of the City Address, the mayor reiterated his commitment to empowering the education sector as a critical pillar for the city’s development.
“The extension of our LSB teachers’ employment is more than just a stopgap measure. It is a step toward ensuring that every child in Zamboanga has access to a quality education and that our educators receive the support they deserve,” said Mayor Dalipe, who chairs the Local School Board.
The salaries and benefits of LSB teachers are funded through the Special Education Fund (SEF), which is sourced from the city’s real property tax collections. By utilizing the SEF strategically, the city is not only enhancing education services but also creating job opportunities for qualified teaching professionals.
The extension until December 2025 provides much-needed stability for the 54 teachers and ensures continuity in learning for thousands of students. It also highlights the importance of local government units (LGUs) in filling critical gaps in education where national resources and staffing remain insufficient.
As the country continues to grapple with teacher shortages — exacerbated by growing student populations and limited plantilla items — the initiative of Zamboanga City stands as a model for other LGUs. Local interventions, when backed by strong political will and financial management, can provide timely solutions to pressing education challenges.