Good news for private junior high school teachers! The Department of Education (DepEd) has released DepEd Order No. 031, s. 2025, amending the provisions of DO No. 20, s. 2017. Starting School Year (SY) 2025–2026, the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) will increase from ₱18,000 to ₱24,000 per year.
This adjustment is part of the government’s ongoing effort to support private school teachers handling Educational Service Contracting (ESC) grantees, recognizing their important role in delivering quality education alongside the public school system.
What is the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS)?
The TSS is a government subsidy provided to qualified teachers in private junior high schools that participate in the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) program. It serves as additional financial support for teachers handling ESC grantees.
Under DO No. 20, s. 2017, the subsidy was previously set at ₱18,000 per teacher per school year, unless adjusted by the State Assistance Council (SAC).
Key Change Under DepEd Order No. 031, s. 2025
1. Increase in Subsidy Amount
- From ₱18,000 → ₱24,000 per teacher per school year, effective SY 2025–2026.
- Approved by the State Assistance Council (SAC) through an ad referendum in 2025.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Teachers must handle ESC grantees for the entire school year to receive the full ₱24,000.
- If a teacher was hired after the start of classes, resigned, or retired before the end of the SY, the subsidy will be pro-rated at ₱2,000 per full month of service.
- No subsidy will be given for partial or incomplete months of teaching.
3. Sample Computations
- Full Year Service (12 months): ₱24,000 (₱2,000 × 12)
- Partial Service (e.g., 3 months): ₱6,000 (₱2,000 × 3)
- Less than a full month of service: ₱0
Why This Matters for Private School Teachers
- Financial Relief: With rising costs of living, the ₱6,000 increase offers meaningful support to private JHS teachers.
- Recognition of Role: The amendment highlights the government’s acknowledgment of private teachers as partners in ensuring access to quality education.
- Fairer Distribution: The pro-rata system ensures that subsidies are aligned with the actual teaching service rendered.
Implementation Details
- DepEd will remit the funds to ESC-participating junior high schools.
- Schools will disburse the subsidy directly to qualified teachers.
- The new guidelines apply starting SY 2025–2026 and onwards, unless further amended by SAC.
Conclusion
DepEd Order No. 031, s. 2025 is a welcome update for many teachers in private junior high schools. By increasing the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy to ₱24,000, the government is reaffirming its commitment to support educators and improve the delivery of education nationwide.
Teachers are encouraged to stay updated with their school heads and the DepEd Government Assistance and Subsidies Service (GASS) for further details on implementation.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the TSS?
Only teachers in ESC-participating private junior high schools who handle ESC grantees.
Q2: Will the subsidy be given monthly?
No. The subsidy is computed annually, but distributed by the school after DepEd releases the funds.
Q3: What if I only taught for 5 months?
You will receive ₱10,000 (₱2,000 × 5 full months).
Q4: What if I resign mid-month?
You won’t receive a subsidy for that incomplete month.