A new law has been passed in the Philippines that will increase the annual teaching allowance of public school teachers to P10,000 starting next school year. President Marcos signed Republic Act 11997, also known as the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which doubles the current teaching allowance from P5,000 to P10,000.
The law ensures that the teaching allowance is exempt from income tax. Despite the absence of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte at the signing ceremony in Malacañang, Senate President Francis Escudero, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and members of the Cabinet were in attendance.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of strengthening the educational system during his speech, acknowledging the efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) in laying the foundation for a modern and responsive education system. The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act aligns with the MATATAG Agenda, focusing on relevant curriculum, accelerated delivery of education facilities and services, student well-being, inclusive education, and teacher support.
The new law allows teachers to use the teaching allowance for purchasing supplies, paying expenses, and implementing learning modalities. Senator Sonny Angara, one of the authors of the law, mentioned that the increased allowance will reduce out-of-pocket expenses for teachers, enabling them to focus better on their duties.
The funds for implementing the law will initially come from the DepEd’s budget, with future allocations to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The DepEd, in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management, has 60 days to establish the rules and regulations for the law’s implementation.
