MANILA, Philippines — A bill raising the annual teaching allowance of public school teachers to P10,000 beginning next school year has been signed by President Marcos into law.
Under Republic Act 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, the teaching allowance will increase from P5,000 to P10,000 beginning school year 2025-2026.
The law exempts the teaching allowance from income tax.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte was not seen during the signing ceremony at Malacañang.
Among those present at the event were Senate President Francis Escudero, Speaker Martin Romualdez and members of the Cabinet.
“Since the start of my term, I have placed great emphasis on the need to boost our educational system and the urgency with which this should be done,” Marcos said in his speech.
“And while it might seem inconsequential to those who are already used to having a steady supply of basic materials for work, this amount makes an enormous difference for our beloved teachers and for the students,” he added.
The President, however, hailed Duterte and the men and women of the Department of Education (DepEd) for laying down the building blocks for a modern and responsive educational system.
“The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act comes as a welcome support for the advancement of the MATATAG Agenda,” Marcos said.
The MATATAG Agenda comprises four critical components: MAking the curriculum relevant; TAking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services; TAking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education and a positive learning environment; and Giving support to teachers to be able to teach better.
Under the new law, the teaching allowance will cover the purchase of tangible and intangible teaching supplies and materials, the payment of incidental expenses and the implementation or conduct of various learning delivery modalities.
The signing of the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act will eliminate out of pocket expenses and help teachers perform their duties better, according to Sen. Sonny Angara, one of the authors of the law.
“Increasing the teaching supplies allowance or the chalk allowance will result in fewer instances when teachers have to make out of pocket expenses in the performance of their duties,” Angara, who also attended the signing at the Palace, said.
“Our overworked and underpaid educators should always be supported, and initiatives such as these will go a long way in showing our appreciation of what they do for our children’s development,” he added.
The initial amount necessary for the implementation of the law will be charged against the DepEd’s current budget.
Thereafter, such amounts shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, according to the law.
The DepEd, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, is tasked to come up with the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from approval of the law.