BEYOND BUDGET

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

I have always been and will always be grateful to my teachers. I believe that without their insightful lessons and guidance, I would not be the person I am today. Thus, let me share the government’s efforts to show gratitude and appreciation for this special set of public service providers as we celebrate National Teachers’ Month (NTM) starting Sept. 5, culminating with World Teachers' Day on Oct. 5, 2024.

Indeed, this month-long celebration is a fitting testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of our educators, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation. As Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara underscored during the NTM Kick-off last Sept. 7, “Our teachers are the foundation of our nation. No progress is possible without them.”

And, I laud President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) for recognizing our teachers as “the very foundation of our educational system” in his third State of the Nation Address, saying, “As we build and upgrade schools, so too must we uplift and upskill our teachers.” With this directive and following our Constitution, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) with the DepEd, Congress, and other government agencies, have been working hand-in-hand to give the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that the public teaching profession will attract and retain the best and brightest talents through adequate salaries, benefits, growth opportunities, and the quality of life they deserve.

One of the most significant government initiatives is the salary increase under Executive Order (EO) No. 64 dated Aug. 2, 2024. The adjustment ensures a competitive salary for government employees, especially public school teachers, reflecting their invaluable contributions to society. This manifests the great value the government holds for teachers and its commitment to improving their financial well-being. With DBM’s immediate release of the guidelines for the first of the four tranches a week after the issuance, retroactive effective January 2024, I am glad to hear that Sec. Sonny announced in his kick-off speech that eligible teachers will receive their differential this September, with salary increases effective from 2024 to 2027.

Acknowledging the physical and mental demands of the teaching profession, the same EO institutionalized a ₱7,000 annual medical allowance, starting next year, increasing public school teachers’ health allowance from the current ₱500 to ensure access to quality healthcare. 

Meanwhile, to fulfill PBBM’s directive to promote teachers’ career advancement, the DBM and DepEd led the preparation and signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of EO 174, s. 2022 “Establishing the Expanded Career Progression System for Public School Teachers.” It provides two clear career advancement paths: Classroom Teaching and School Administration, giving more opportunities and accelerating our teachers’ career growth. As PBBM promised in his SONA, no teacher will retire as Teacher I. For me, this sends a powerful message that our dear teachers’ calls do not fall on deaf ears, their hard work is recognized, and their growth is prioritized.

Additionally, DBM continues to release funds for various teachers’ benefits. I am certain that our teachers are excited to receive their World Teachers’ Day bonus for release on or before Oct. 5, 2024. And, as Sec. Sonny highlighted during the kick-off, our Departments are working closely to ensure the release of the 2022 and 2023 Performance-Based Bonuses. Another benefit is the productivity enhancement incentive, which recognizes our educators' continuous and dedicated service. 

Aside from these, DBM also provides funds for the monthly Special Hardship Allowance to recognize teachers who go above and beyond their duties, educating Filipino children in remote or underserved areas. Teaching overload or actual classroom teaching exceeding six hours per day is also compensated.

Under the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” the teaching allowance of ₱5,000 will be increased to ₱10,000 tax-free next year to defray expenses for teaching supplies and materials, taking into consideration the financial constraints teachers experience. The 2025 budget also includes provisions for other benefits such as the uniform allowance, mid-year and year-end bonuses, and cash gift to provide them with financial stability and support throughout the year.

To further support teachers, the DBM approved 25 permanent positions for the Teacher Education Council Secretariat, and DepEd’s request for the creation of 5,000 non-teaching positions for Fiscal Year 2024, in addition to the 5,000 approved last year. These aim to unburden them of administrative tasks so they may dedicate more time and energy to their students and for upskilling.

Beyond budget, the National Teachers’ Month highlights the importance of our educators and their impact on students and the country. On the part of the PBBM administration, rest assured that we are making significant steps to support public school teachers, as we continue to educate and inspire the next generation. I am positive that these efforts will lead to a brighter future for all teachers — true to our promise of a Bagong Pilipinas where no one is left behind. 

To all teachers, Happy National Teachers’ Month! May this celebration further inspire you to provide greater service for our nation's progress. 

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)