Have you ever wondered how teachers manage the endless costs of classroom supplies? From markers to printed modules, the list never seems to end. That’s why the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act is such a big deal—it directly addresses this challenge by providing public school teachers with financial support for their teaching needs.
What Is the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act?
The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, officially Republic Act No. 11997, was signed into law to institutionalize the grant of a teaching allowance for all public school teachers in the Philippines. This allowance is not just a one-time bonus—it’s a regular and guaranteed support from the government.
Here are the key points:
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Teachers will receive ₱5,000 for School Year 2024–2025.
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Starting School Year 2025–2026, the allowance increases to ₱10,000 annually.
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It applies to all DepEd public school teachers, including guidance counselors, librarians, vocational instructors, ALS teachers, and coordinators.
This ensures that teachers won’t need to dig too deep into their own pockets just to keep lessons going smoothly.
Why Is This Allowance Important?
Teaching goes beyond the classroom—it requires preparation, creativity, and yes, expenses. The allowance helps cover:
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Chalks, pens, markers, and other supplies.
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Printing or photocopying learning materials.
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Incidental costs during school activities.
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Support for digital and alternative learning methods.
What makes this act unique is that the allowance is tax-free and teachers don’t need to submit receipts. It’s considered an outright expense, meaning they have full flexibility on how to use it for teaching.
Who Qualifies and Who Doesn’t?
Not every teacher will automatically get the allowance. The law outlines clear inclusions and exclusions.
Qualified to receive:
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All teachers with teaching loads, regardless of hours.
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Guidance counselors, librarians, ALS teachers, and community learning facilitators.
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School heads with teaching loads.
Not qualified if:
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On indefinite leave, study leave, or AWOL.
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Assigned to purely non-teaching functions.
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Already retired or no longer in service at the start of the school year.
For teachers who retire or resume duty mid-year, there’s a pro-rated allowance system so they still get a fair share.
When Will Teachers Get the Allowance?
Timing matters. The law specifies that the allowance will be released not earlier than the official start of the school year. However, in special cases—like natural disasters or pandemics—the Secretary of Education may approve early release.
This is particularly helpful during challenging times when teachers need immediate resources to adjust learning delivery.
Interesting Facts About the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act
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It’s the first law in the Philippines to institutionalize a permanent teaching allowance.
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The allowance doubles by 2025, showing strong government support for education.
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Alternative Learning System (ALS) and mobile teachers are included—groups often overlooked in past benefits.
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DepEd doesn’t require receipts—rare for government-issued financial support.
These details show how the act tries to balance accountability with teacher convenience.
My Personal Take
I think this law is long overdue. Teachers have always been resourceful, often paying out of their own salaries just to make classrooms engaging. With the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, at least there’s recognition that quality education requires proper investment—not only in facilities but also in the hands of teachers themselves.
Why It Matters for Education
At the end of the day, this law isn’t just about money—it’s about valuing teachers. By lightening their financial burden, the government allows them to focus more on what really matters: guiding students.
The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act sets a hopeful precedent for future policies that put teachers at the heart of education reform. After all, when teachers are supported, students benefit the most.
What do you think—will this allowance be enough to help teachers, or should there be more programs like this in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments!