The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, February 16, highlighted “sweeping policy reforms” that increase teacher allowances, expand career progression, and significantly reduce administrative workload—especially for educators in public schools.

In a statement, DepEd said these initiatives are part of the administration’s effort to strengthen support for Filipino teachers. The agency added that the reforms, ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aim to prioritize teachers’ welfare and improve the overall quality of education nationwide.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the changes reflect the President’s directive to put teachers first.

“Malinaw ang utos ng Pangulong Marcos na unahin ang kapakanan ng ating mga guro (President Marcos has given a clear directive to prioritize the welfare of our teachers),” Angara said.

“Tinitiyak natin na may sapat silang benepisyo, malinaw na landas sa kanilang karera, at mas maayos na kalagayan sa trabaho (We are ensuring that they have sufficient benefits, a clear career path, and better working conditions),” he added.

Under the new policies, DepEd said public school teachers are receiving substantially higher financial support, including a medical allowance that increased from P500 to P7,000 annually, and a teaching allowance that was raised from P3,500 to P10,000 annually.

DepEd said these increases are intended to help teachers cover healthcare expenses and classroom supplies, which many previously paid for out of pocket.

DepEd also introduced the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) system, allowing teachers to earn promotions and salary increases based on merit while remaining in teaching roles.

So far, DepEd noted that 16,423 teachers have already been promoted, while more than 40,000 promotions are awaiting approval from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

DepEd said that previously, teachers often had to move into administrative positions to receive higher salaries. The new system allows educators to advance professionally without leaving the classroom.

To reduce teachers’ administrative burden, DepEd slashed required forms and reports from 174 to just 75, cutting paperwork by more than 50 percent.

The department also created additional administrative and support positions to handle non-teaching duties, allowing teachers to focus more on lesson preparation and student learning.

Moreover, DepEd said the reforms provide clearer compensation and improved benefits, including properly funded overload and overtime pay, and vacation service credits, which increased from 15 days to 30 days annually.

DepEd also highlighted that the hardship allowance is now fixed at 25 percent of salary for teachers in remote or difficult areas. Previously, hardship allowances ranged from 15 percent to 25 percent and lacked consistent guidelines.

DepEd has also introduced flexible work arrangements during emergencies and inclusive hiring policies to ensure equal opportunities.

These measures, DepEd said, aim to improve working conditions and support teachers’ well-being.

DepEd also highlighted initiatives for teachers in private schools.

Private school teachers will benefit from an increase in the Teacher Salary Subsidy (TSS), which rises from P18,000 to P24,000 annually, following efforts led by Angara, DepEd said.

The latest DepEd teacher reforms are expected to improve teacher morale, reduce workload, and strengthen classroom instruction—key factors in addressing long-standing challenges in the Philippine education system.

Angara said the reforms are part of broader efforts to restore dignity and support for Filipino educators.

“Kapag inaalagaan natin ang ating mga guro, mas napapangalagaan din natin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mag-aaral (When we take care of our teachers, we also safeguard the future of our students),” Angara said.

“Ito ang direksyon na tinatahak natin sa Bagong Pilipinas (This is the direction we are pursuing in Bagong Pilipinas),” he added.