Tito Mars, a content creator on Facebook oftentimes tagged as problematic, has sparked another heated conversation about the working hours of teachers after reacting strongly to their complaints about a six-hour workday. In a recent video, Tito Mars questioned the validity of these complaints, suggesting that teachers should consider a half-day schedule if they find six hours too exhausting.
The creator expressed disbelief over the dissatisfaction expressed by some teachers, “Talaga ba? Anim na oras nirereklamo ng ilan sainyo? Edi mag-half day na lang kayo [“Really? Some of you are complaining about six hours? Then just work half a day.”]” He compared their situation to that of other professions, pointing out that healthcare workers, construction workers, security guards, and call center agents often work shifts that extend up to twelve hours, yet rarely complain.
He also further criticized the teachers’ demands by humorously suggesting that they might prefer a four-hour workday and should consider posting videos of their students on TikTok to fill the time. He argued that, as educators, they should be more understanding of the challenges faced by other workers who endure longer hours without complaint, “Hindi ba dapat bilang mga guro dapat kayo po yung mas nakakaintidi sa mga manggagawa? [Aren’t teachers supposed to be more understanding?]”
“Eh parang 6 hours sobrang dami niyo ng reklamo, [It seems like you’re complaining a lot about just six hours.]” he continued, highlighting the disparity between teachers’ grievances and the realities faced by other professions. Tito Mars also acknowledged the difficulty of the teaching profession but argued that no job is easy and that teachers should not expect reduced working hours while still receiving full salaries and benefits.
Addressing a comment that some teachers only work for two hours and spend the rest of the time chatting, resting, or taking breaks, Tito Mars drew comparisons with corporate workers who have longer hours but fewer benefits. He emphasized that government-employed teachers enjoy good benefits, which, in his view, makes their complaints about work hours less justified.
“My gosh. Hindi ko alam pero ngayon lang ako nakakita ng ganitong klaseng balita na yung mga guro mismo na dapat sila’y nagiging mabuting ehemplo sa mga mamamayan lalong lalo na sa mga kabataan e sila pa yung medyo tatamad-tamad na parang ayaw magtrabaho na parang gusto nila ibibigay na lang sa kanila yung benefits na parang gusto nila 4 hours a day na lang sila magttrabaho na parang yung sweldo ay buo parin. Parang hindi na naman po tama yan, [My gosh. I don’t know, but this is the first time I’m seeing news like this where the teachers, who should be setting a good example for the public, especially for the youth, are the ones being a bit lazy and seeming unwilling to work. It’s like they want to be given the benefits and work only four hours a day while still getting a full salary. It just doesn’t seem right]” Tito Mars exclaimed, criticizing teachers for what he perceives as an abuse of their privileges.
These statements from him struck a chord with social media users, especially teachers.
Tito Mars’ argument about teachers’ complaints regarding their six-hour workday has indeed sparked debate by comparing their hours to those of other professions with longer shifts. Yes, it’s important to note that every profession has its own set of difficulties.
However, it’s important to consider both the unique challenges faced by teachers and the realities of various job demands. Teachers stand in front of the class, continuously talking and discussing lessons for hours or more, sometimes extending beyond their regular working hours.
Sure, teachers aren’t perfect, just like any other workers. But we were all students once, weren’t we? So it shouldn’t be a surprise that we understand a teacher’s job doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Some jobs, including theirs, are underpaid as they are. So it wouldn’t be unreasonable to demand the benefits and compensation they deserve.
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