President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act” into law on June 3, doubling the annual teaching allowance for public school teachers. This move aims to recognize teachers’ dedication and provide additional financial support to cover expenses related to blended learning.
Under the new legislation, public school teachers will receive an annual teaching allowance of P10,000 (around $190), beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This amount is double the current P5,000 ($85) allowance.
“This is a significant milestone for Philippine education,” President Marcos said during the signing ceremony, noting the Act also exempts the allowance from income tax.
“As an oft-mentioned adage to which, as a father, I too also subscribe, education is the only inheritance we can leave our children. It can never be taken away from you,” he added.
Just a week ago, public school teachers also received a similar allowance known as the “chalk allowance,” which gradually increased to P3,500 ($60) in 2020 and was later renamed the “cash allowance.”
Since 2021, the allowance has also covered internet and communication expenses, as well as medical check-ups, for a total of P5,000 ($85).
The “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act” acknowledges the financial burden shouldered by teachers, particularly with the implementation of blended learning during the pandemic.
Historically, public school teachers’ allowances have gradually increased from P100 ($2) in 1988 to P5,000 ($85) by 2021. However, the Act represents the most significant increase to date.
The additional allowance is intended to help educators with expenses related to internet access, electricity costs, and essential devices like laptops, all of which are crucial for facilitating online learning.
“We are constantly looking for and finding solutions to decades-old problems of our society now,” President Marcos said. “To our teachers, our students, and the Filipino people, rest assured that this is just the beginning of all that we wish to accomplish for you and for our country.”
The initial funding for the Kabalikat will be sourced from the current Department of Education budget.
A call for continued support
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) welcomed the increase but noted that P10,000 might not cover all teacher expenses.
TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort between teachers and legislators, highlighting the effectiveness of their advocacy.
Basas said they remain committed to advocating for a salary increase, with proposals pending in Congress.
He added they will continue to push for a raise in salaries, as promised by the President in the 2022 campaign.
