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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd allows teachers to choose P7,000 medical allowance; group welcomes flexibility

DepEd allows teachers to choose P7,000 medical allowance; group welcomes flexibility

Published Aug 23, 2025 02:13 pm
Teachers can now choose how to receive the P7,000 medical allowance as DepEd updates its guidelines, says Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, ensuring timely and fair distribution. (MANILA BULLETIN / file)
Teachers can now choose how to receive the P7,000 medical allowance as DepEd updates its guidelines, says Teachers’ Dignity Coalition, ensuring timely and fair distribution. (MANILA BULLETIN / file)
The Department of Education (DepEd) has amended its guidelines for the P7,000 medical allowance, giving teachers the flexibility to choose how they receive the benefit — a move welcomed by a teachers’ group.
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), in a statement issued Saturday, August 23, said the change came a day after TDC leaders met with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to discuss the allowance’s implementation.
TDC noted that the updated directive was issued in a DepEd memorandum dated August 20.
“This is a positive step, and we appreciate that DepEd has listened to the voice of teachers,” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas, a teacher in Caloocan City.
Basas emphasized that “when teachers stand united and raise our concerns, the government can act in our favor.” He also added, “We assert with equal clarity that the allowance must be released in a way that truly benefits teachers—without delays, undue conditions, or complications.”
Key Options: Cash and payroll disbursement
One of the main options now allows teachers to receive the allowance in cash via payroll disbursement, following the Vigan-Romblon model, according to TDC.
Teachers can submit proof of medical expenses afterward to comply with requirements, the group added.
DepEd confirmed that the allowance must be released no later than August 31, in line with agreements from the August 19 dialogue.
Challenges and recommendations for HMO Implementation
TDC had previously raised concerns over delays in releasing the allowance for fiscal year 2025, with only four months left before year-end.
The group also highlighted challenges faced by Schools Division Offices (SDOs) in implementing the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) scheme.
Basas warned against potential “fly-by-night” HMOs seeking to profit from the P7,000 allocation per teacher, stressing that the allowance should primarily benefit teachers, not intermediaries.
For fiscal year 2026, TDC urged DepEd to ensure that any HMO arrangements are highly advantageous to teachers, providing wide accessibility and full coverage of medical needs.
“If the HMO arrangement is pursued again, it must be the most advantageous to teachers, ensuring the widest accessibility and coverage of medical needs,” Basas said.
Call for PhilHealth reforms
TDC also called for reforms in PhilHealth to better serve government workers without additional costs. “People’s health, especially that of those who work for the government, is an obligation of the state,” Basas added.

Related Tags

DepEd medical allowance 2025 P7 000 teacher allowance Teachers Dignity Coalition TDC Philippines education news Teacher benefits DepEd HMO implementation teachers PhilHealth reforms government workers
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