The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued the supplemental guidelines on the grant of cash allowance to teachers amounting to P5,000 each to cover expenses related distance learning, among others.

This was announced by Education Secretary Leonor Briones in DepEd Order no. 013 s. of 2021 issued to undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, bureau and service directors, regional directors, schools division superintendents, public elementary and secondary school heads.

DepEd issued supplemental guidelines for the grant of cash allowance to teachers “in compliance with the approved increase from P3,500 to 5,000 pesos per classroom teacher for every school year (SY).”

This, DepEd said, is pursuant to Special Provision (SP) no. 11 of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 and as defined in number I. Purpose, Section 2 of the DepEd order No. 10 series of 2020 title “Guidelines on the Grant of Cash Allowance To Teachers.”

Pursuant to SP No. 11 of the GAA of FY 2021, DepEd said that the appropriated cash allowance to teachers this year shall cover the annual medical and physical examination; expense internet and communication expenses and purchase of supplies and materials tangible or intangible for the implementation or conduct of various modes of learning delivery.  

DepEd also issued the guidelines for teachers who are assigned with at least one teaching load within the current school year and whose assumption or presumption to duty is beyond 30 days after the official first day of school.

The criteria for the pro-rated payment of the cash allowance or the percentage of cash allowance to teachers will be based on the date assumption to duty from the date of opening up classes (calendar days): 100 percent for those within 30 days; 80 percent for those after the first 30 days, but not more than 90 days; 50 percent for those after 90 days, but not more than 150 days; and 20 percent for those after 150 days until the end of the school year.

“The variables of the pro-rated amount will depend on the issuance of a DO on school opening,” DepEd said.

DepEd also clarified that all other provisions for the DO No. 10 s. of 2020 “shall remain enforced.”

Briones said that the DO No. 013 s. of 2021 “shall take effect immediately upon its issuance” and directed the “immediate dissemination and strict compliance with this order.”