SONA: Public school teachers to receive salary increase, medical benefits starting this year
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a salary increase for all government employees, including public school teachers, in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22. The move aims to enhance educators’ pay and make public sector jobs more competitive with the private sector.
The salary increase will be implemented in four tranches from fiscal year 2024 to 2027. This phased approach allows the government to gradually enhance the pay of teachers and other public employees.
According to a statement from the Department of Budget Management (DBM), the goal is to “attract, retain, and engage employees needed by different agencies in the delivery of public services.”
In addition to the salary increase, President Marcos announced that government workers will receive a new medical allowance beginning in 2025.
He emphasized the importance of this benefit, saying, “Para naman sa ating mga kawani ng gobyerno, mayroon silang maaasahang medical allowance bilang karagdagang benepisyo sa susunod na taon.”
This medical allowance is intended to support the health and well-being of public servants, including educators who play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
The last salary increase for government workers occurred in 2023, marking the final phase of the 2019 Salary Standardization Law.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had aimed to complete a study on potential wage increases for government employees by the end of June, but there has been no update on its progress.
This study, conducted with the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations, will review salaries, benefits, and allowances to identify areas for improvement.
The DBM is also seeking lawmakers’ approval for a P70-billion allocation in the proposed 2025 national budget to fund the salary increase.
Following President Marcos’ SONA, the DBM announced that the Office of the President will issue an Executive Order detailing the new salary adjustments.
Teachers’ groups, including the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, have long lobbied for a starting salary of P50,000 for entry-level teaching positions.
They argue that the current pay of P27,000 is inadequate, especially given the rising cost of living.
These organizations have been vocal about the need for higher salaries to retain talent in the teaching profession and to address the disparity between teachers and other government employees, such as police and military personnel, who received significant pay increases in recent years.
