A teachers’ group has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately implement the P7,000 annual medical allowance for public school teachers.

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) called on DepEd to fast-track the implementation of the medical allowance as mandated by Executive Order No. 64 and detailed in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Budget Circular 2024-6.

In a letter addressed to DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, dated April 4, TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas expressed gratitude for the incentive, describing it as a “landmark initiative” for public school teachers.

The P7,000 medical allowance is a first-of-its-kind benefit for teachers and government employees, and it is seen as a partial fulfillment of the provisions under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, which has been in place since 1966.

However, the group emphasized the urgency of its disbursement, particularly as teachers are now required to undergo medical examinations before the end of the school year.

"With the school year nearing its conclusion, teachers are now required to undergo compulsory medical examinations,” Basas said. “Given this urgent need, we respectfully seek an update on DepEd's internal policy for implementing the said budget circular," he added, citing the circular's mandate for agencies to release internal rules and guidelines.

The group stated that under current guidelines, the default mechanism for distributing the medical allowance is through a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

However, TDC raised concerns about the feasibility of enrolling all eligible teachers within the remaining months of the school year.

"Considering the time constraints and potential challenges in enrolling all eligible teachers within the remaining months, we appeal for an option to receive this benefit in cash,” TDC said. “This would allow teachers to immediately address their medical needs without delay,” it added.

Long-term solution

Despite this request, TDC underscored that an HMO-based system would be the ideal "long-term solution," as it would provide more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare support for DepEd employees.

While pushing for the immediate cash disbursement of the medical allowance, the group also urged DepEd to expedite the selection of a reputable HMO provider that could facilitate health cards with broader coverage.

“TDC firmly believes that a well-structured HMO system would provide more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare support for DepEd employees,” Basas said. “We urge the Department to expedite the selection of a reputable HMO provider that can facilitate health cards with broad coverage, ensuring teachers and other education personnel have access to quality medical services,” he added.

The group expressed willingness to discuss the matter, which stands to benefit public education employees.

TDC also urged Angara to immediately act on the matter, as it directly impacts the health and well-being of nearly one million education workers across the country.