President Marcos Signs Law Doubling Teaching Allowance for Public School Teachers to P10,000

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a bill that raises the annual teaching allowance for public school teachers from P5,000 to P10,000, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The new legislation, known as Republic Act 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, also exempts the teaching allowance from income tax.

The signing ceremony at Malacañang was attended by notable figures including Senate President Francis Escudero, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other Cabinet members. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte was notably absent from the event.

In his address, President Marcos emphasized the importance of supporting teachers to enhance the educational system. “While it might seem inconsequential to those who are used to having a steady supply of basic materials for work, this amount makes an enormous difference for our beloved teachers and for the students,” he stated.

The President praised the efforts of Duterte and the Department of Education (DepEd) in laying the groundwork for a modern and responsive educational system. He highlighted that the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act supports the MATATAG Agenda, which focuses on making the curriculum relevant, accelerating the delivery of basic education facilities and services, promoting learner well-being and inclusive education, and providing support to teachers.

The law’s increased allowance is intended to cover the purchase of teaching supplies and materials, incidental expenses, and the implementation of various learning delivery modalities. Senator Sonny Angara, one of the law’s authors, noted that this increase will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for teachers, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively. “Our overworked and underpaid educators should always be supported, and initiatives such as these will go a long way in showing our appreciation of what they do for our children’s development,” Angara remarked.

The initial funding for the implementation of the law will come from DepEd’s current budget, with subsequent amounts to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The DepEd, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, has been tasked with developing the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days of the law’s approval.