Beginning in fiscal year 2025, public school teachers will receive improved healthcare benefits, including a new P7,000 medical allowance for government employees.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced that this will significantly enhance support for teachers' health and well-being.
DepEd emphasized that this represents a "substantial increase" from the P500 medical examination allowance provided in 2020.
Under Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024, signed by President Marcos, the government will provide an annual medical allowance of up to P7,000 to eligible government civilian personnel, including public school teachers.
This allowance is designed to help cover the cost of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits.
“If we pool that together, we can secure comprehensive insurance coverage for our teachers,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Angara noted that this adjustment represents a 1,300 percent increase from the P500 medical allowance granted in 2020, primarily intended to cover the cost of eligible diagnostic tests, as outlined in Department Order No. 28, s. 2020.
In addition to the medical allowance, DepEd noted that public school teachers will also receive a P5,000 tax-free teaching allowance for School Year 2024-2025.
Due to the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act (Republic Act No. 11997), co-authored by Secretary Angara during his Senate tenure, this allowance will increase to P10,000 starting in School Year (SY) 2025-2026 and beyond.
Additionally, DepEd has reminded teaching and non-teaching personnel that they can file claims under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-issued Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) policy.
This policy offers coverage for accidental death or dismemberment up to P100,000 and medical reimbursement up to P30,000 for injuries, DepEd said.