DepEd says preparing benefits package for teachers

Teachers are set to receive additional benefits this year, the Department of Education (DepEd) said as it bared preparations for the grants.

The benefits include the annual medical checkup, an incentive benefit for World Teacher’s Day, and hazard pay among others.

DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said the department is already preparing the budget for the said benefits, which teachers could avail as early as next month.

The education department is eyeing to release a P400-million budget to fund the annual medical examination of teachers at P500 each, Sevilla said.

A P900-million budget meanwhile is being prepared so that public school teachers could receive a P1,000 incentive each. Sevilla added that DepEd is planning to release the incentive on Oct. 5, World Teacher’s Day, which also coincides with the adjusted opening of classes.

The education official also noted that all DepEd employees and teachers who reported for work during the enhanced community period and modified enhanced community period are entitled to a P500 daily hazard pay.

Several teachers’ groups have called on DepEd to provide financial support to teachers and workers in the education industry who were infected with COVID-19 while they were told to physically report for work.

The department has also been bombarded with calls for additional allowances for teachers as they are expected to incur more expenses as the Philippine education system shifts to distance learning.