The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has appealed to the Department of Education (DepEd) to release the P7,000 medical allowance promised to teaching and non-teaching personnel in cash, citing delays in the implementation of the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) system.
In a statement on Monday, the TDC said it is hopeful that the DepEd will adopt “a flexible and responsive implementation policy to ensure teachers receive the medical support they are entitled to without unnecessary delay.”
“We believe this is the general sentiment of our teachers, and we urge the DepEd to initiate or at least seek the approval of the DBM, or whichever authority is appropriate to allow the release of the P7,000 in the form of cash,” TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said.
The call began as early as last month. In a letter dated April 4, the TDC urged DepEd to adopt a “more efficient interim solution” in acting on Executive Order 64 and DBM Circular 2024-6 which grants the medical allowance, noting that enrolling nearly a million employees into an HMO has proven logistically difficult.
“Considering the time constraints and potential challenges in enrolling all eligible teachers within the remaining months, we appeal for an option to receive this benefit in cash,” Basas wrote, adding the funds could be used for the compulsory annual physical examination and other pressing medical needs.
DepEd, in its April 28 response through Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the long-term benefits of a comprehensive HMO system.
While supporting the eventual shift to HMO, the TDC stressed that disbursing the medical allowance at least for the current year stands as “the most practical approach,” warning that continued delays could leave teachers without timely medical assistance.
However, the TDC emphasized its support for a long-term HMO solution.
“A well-structured HMO system would provide more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare support for DepEd employees,” the group stated, urging the DepEd to expedite the selection of a reputable HMO provider capable of delivering broad coverage and timely access to medical services for its teachers and employees.
The group is seeking a dialogue with DepEd officials, including Secretary Sonny Angara, to discuss the matter.
