THE Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Acting Chairman, Mr. Maini Mike Ugaia, has strongly disapproved recent media statements made by the Papua New Guinea Teachers Association (PNGTA) President regarding a premature teachers’ pay increase.
Chairman Ugaia clarified that while discussions and initial submissions concerning the 2026–2028 Log of Claims have been presented to the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), any proposed salary adjustments between the TSC and the PNGTA remain strictly subject to DPM approval.
Therefore, releasing unverified public declarations regarding a pay increase is both premature and highly unprofessional.
“The statement circulated in the media is untrue and misleading,” stated Acting Chairman Ugaia. “The PNGTA President is advised to withdraw these unauthorized claims immediately. Negotiations are a formal administrative process, and creating false expectations among our hard-working teachers disrupts the stability of our education sector.”
Teachers throughout Papua New Guinea are urged not to rely on speculative media coverage or external announcements regarding their terms and conditions. The TSC remains the sole legal employer and authoritative body responsible for teacher welfare and salary matters; consequently, all teachers should obtain official updates directly from the TSC headquarters or through authorized TSC Media Announcements.
In a concurrent address, Chairman Ugaia took the opportunity to welcome all teachers back for the commencement of Term 4.
“The Commission extends its profound thanks and appreciation to our nearly 70,000 teachers nationwide for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our students throughout this academic year. As we enter the final term of the school calendar, we wish you all the very best and continued success in your classrooms.”