
MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the government will continue to provide career advancements and allowances to public school teachers next year.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the DBM has proposed an allocation of P38.63 billion to support over 900,000 teachers in the Department of Education (DepEd) through various Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs).
“I believe that the development of our country is fueled by education, skills, and talent. And this could only be achieved with the dedication, hard work, and passion of our teachers. No teacher should be left behind,” she said.
In order to foster and provide support for the professional and career advancement of the teaching personnel, around P2.16 billion has been allocated for teachers’ training.
Furthermore, this allocation will also benefit individuals serving in managerial, supervisory, and administrative roles at the Schools Division Offices (SDOs), Regional Offices (ROs), and Central Office (CO).
“Our teachers have the power to shape our nation by molding our future leaders to be even better citizens. Teachers always carry with them the potential to influence and make a difference in the young lives they touch,” said Pangandaman.
Meanwhile, an allocation of P26.10 billion would fund new school personnel positions.
Within that funding budget, P5.47 billion is placed for the creation of 20,000 teaching positions, while P20.63 billion is meant to fill 37,813 vacant teaching positions.
A budget will also be provided under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF).
In line with DepEd’s MATATAG agenda, Over 5,000 non-teaching positions are expected through the MPBF. These non-teaching positions will solve the issue of unloading teachers from administrative tasks in order to retain quality instruction to learners.
The MATATAG agenda aims to provide sufficient manpower support to teachers to provide better learning methods and strategies.
As for allowances, P4.83 billion is allotted in cash allowances. This means each classroom teacher would receive P5,000 for every school year.
The budget shall increase expenses for teaching supplies and materials, help with the internet subscription and other communication expenses, and their annual medical examination.
An amount of P374.98 million would benefit the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in terms of transportation and teaching aid allowance for its coordinators and enforcers.
Subsequently, the Special Hardship Allowance will be given a compensation of P3.77 billion for teachers assigned to schools located in difficult areas. These could be for areas with rigorous commutes, or situated in a hazardous environment.
To compensate teaching personnel whose load exceeds more than 6 hours per day of classroom work, a budget of P482.06 million would be provided as Honoraria for Teaching Overload.
Finally, in line with the occasion, an amount of P912.26 million would be provided for World Teacher’s Day. (MB)