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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd on P7K medical allowance: Teachers may choose HMO coverage or direct cash aid

DepEd on P7K medical allowance: Teachers may choose HMO coverage or direct cash aid

Published Sep 9, 2025 11:27 am
DepEd has announced the fast-tracking of the P7,000 annual medical allowance for public school teachers—offering them the option of HMO coverage or direct cash aid—alongside new overtime pay reforms. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
DepEd has announced the fast-tracking of the P7,000 annual medical allowance for public school teachers—offering them the option of HMO coverage or direct cash aid—alongside new overtime pay reforms. (DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)
In a move aimed at strengthening healthcare support and improving teacher welfare, the Department of Education (DepEd) has approved the release of a P7,000 annual medical allowance for public school teachers, giving them the option to either avail themselves of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage or receive the amount as direct cash assistance.
The announcement was made by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara during the kick-off of the 2025 National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration over the weekend in Koronadal City.
Angara, who has been leading the department for over a year, recalled President Marcos’ directive to prioritize teacher welfare.
“Sabi niya [President], ‘Sonny, you must take care of our teachers, they are the heart of our educational system,’” Angara said. “At mula noon, ‘yon ay naging top of DepEd’s agenda. Kaya nakita niyo po, tuloy-tuloy ang mga benepisyo, tuloy-tuloy ang pag-alaga ng Department of Education sa ating mga guro (And since then, that has been at the top of DepEd’s agenda. That’s why, as you’ve seen, the benefits have continued, and the Department of Education has consistently cared for our teachers),” he added.
Since last month, Angara said DepEd has fast-tracked the processing of the P7,000 medical allowance.
“Teachers may choose between an agency-issued HMO package or direct cash assistance for individual use,” DepEd said in a statement. “This program also prioritizes teachers serving in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” the agency added.
In August, DepEd announced that public school teachers will enjoy expanded healthcare benefits with the introduction of the P7,000 medical allowance for government employees beginning fiscal year 2025.
This is a significant increase from the P500 medical examination allowance provided in 2020, marking a substantial enhancement in support for teachers’ health and well-being, DepEd said.
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 civilian personnel—including public school teachers. The allowance is intended to subsidize the cost of HMO-type benefits.
DepEd rolls out reforms on teachers’ welfare, overtime pay
In line with President Marcos’ directives during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Angara also announced key reforms to improve teachers’ welfare at the 2025 NTM Kick-Off program.
He said DepEd has reduced the number of required school forms by 57 percent, easing teachers’ administrative workload and allowing them to spend more time in the classroom.
Angara also emphasized the government’s commitment to fair compensation, citing Marcos’ call to ensure just pay for teachers working beyond school hours.
On September 6, Angara issued the Guidelines on the Payment of Overtime Services of Teachers, providing clear procedures for claiming overtime pay.
READ: 
https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/08/deped-issues-guidelines-on-overtime-pay-for-public-school-teachers
To further support educators, Angara noted that DepEd has allocated P114.39 billion for Personnel Services under the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
DepEd said the budget will cover teachers’ salaries, benefits, and allowances, while also funding the hiring of additional teaching staff to achieve smaller class sizes.
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/23/deped-allows-teachers-to-choose-p7000-medical-allowance-group-welcomes-flexibility


Related Tags

teacher benefits Philippines public school teachers cash aid HMO coverage for teachers DepEd DepEd overtime pay guidelines 2025 Angara teachers welfare reforms National Teachers Month 2025 DepEd DepEd
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