France Castro
France Castro, known as 'Teacher France,' is a Filipino educator and politician who has served as the Representative of ACT Teachers Party-list in the House of Representatives since 2016. Before entering politics, she was a public school teacher for over two decades and a leader in the Alliance of Concerned Teachers. Her advocacy has focused on teachers' welfare, education reform, and public sector workers' rights.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Philippine Normal University
- Master's units in Educational Management, Philippine Normal University
- Various professional development courses for educators
Career Highlights
- Representative, ACT Teachers Party-list (2016-2024)
- Public school teacher for over 20 years
- Secretary-General, Alliance of Concerned Teachers
- Education policy advocate
Key Platforms
Education Reforms
Implementation of quality, accessible, and relevant education reforms, including reduced class sizes and improved facilities.
Teachers' Salary Increase
Significant salary increase for teachers and education support personnel to ensure decent living wages.
Free Education at All Levels
Implementation of truly free education from kindergarten to college, with adequate funding for public schools and universities.
Academic Freedom Protection
Defense of academic freedom and opposition to militarization of schools and campuses.
Public Sector Workers' Rights
Protection and expansion of rights for government employees, including collective bargaining rights.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for economic policies that prioritize social services including education. |
| Education | Core advocacy for education reforms, teachers' welfare, and educational quality. |
| Healthcare | Supports universal healthcare with adequate funding for public health institutions. |
| Environment | Promotes environmental education and protection of school environments. |
| Labor | Strong advocate for labor rights, particularly for teachers and education sector workers. |
| Agriculture | Supports integration of agricultural education and support for rural schools. |
| Governance | Criticizes corruption and advocates for increased education budget allocation. |
| Foreign Policy | Opposes foreign intervention in Philippine education policies. |
| Charter Change | Against constitutional amendments that may affect public education guarantees. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Supports inclusive education and protection against discrimination in schools. |
| Drug War | Critical of human rights violations and militarization affecting educational institutions. |
| Icc | Supports accountability for human rights violations. |
Sources & Citations
- House of Representatives legislative records
- ACT Teachers Party-list position papers
- Education forum presentations and statements
- Alliance of Concerned Teachers publications
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
