In classrooms across the Philippines, teachers continue to stand at the frontlines of nation-building — nurturing young minds, inspiring hope, and shaping the country’s future. This year’s culmination of National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers’ Day highlighted just how vital their role is, as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Department of Education (DepEd) unveiled new programs, reforms, and benefits designed to strengthen the teaching profession.
From higher allowances and clearer career pathways to the digitalization of classrooms, the government’s initiatives reflect a strong commitment to improving teacher welfare and professional growth.
Honoring the Hands that Shape the Nation
During the National Teachers’ Day Culminating Program, President Marcos, alongside Education Secretary Sonny Angara, NTMCC Chair Aniceto Sobrepeña of Metrobank Foundation, and other education partners, paid tribute to the invaluable role of teachers in building the nation.
“You are the guiding hands, and in your hands are our nation’s progress. In your strength, in your wisdom, and in your courage, we find assurance that our future is secured,” President Marcos said. “We offer our respect and deepest gratitude for shaping minds, touching hearts, and building a nation we can all be proud of — one student at a time.”
The event gathered over 12,500 teachers from across Luzon and Metro Manila, featuring special recognitions, a commemorative stamp launch, and a variety show — a fitting celebration for the country’s educators.
Key Reforms and Benefits for Teachers
1. Enhanced Financial Support
One of the central themes of this year’s celebration is the expansion of financial benefits for teachers:
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₱10,000 Teaching Allowance under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act to help teachers with classroom-related expenses.
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₱7,000 Medical Allowance for qualified personnel, ensuring that teachers’ health and wellness are prioritized.
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Special Hardship Allowance for those assigned in far-flung, conflict-affected, or difficult-to-access areas.
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₱1,000 World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) as an annual token of appreciation.
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₱6,000 Salary Subsidy under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) for teachers in private schools.
These allowances serve not only as recognition of teachers’ sacrifices but also as practical tools to alleviate daily burdens.
2. Reducing Administrative Load
DepEd also addressed one of the long-standing challenges in the education sector — too much paperwork. Teachers often spend hours filling out numerous forms and reports, taking time away from actual teaching.
To solve this, DepEd has implemented measures to reduce the number of school forms, reassign non-teaching tasks to support staff, and ensure that teachers can focus more on classroom instruction and student development.
3. Expanding Career Progression and Opportunities
Teachers have long called for a more transparent and motivating career ladder. Responding to this, DepEd and the Marcos administration announced the creation of 60,000 new teaching positions in the proposed 2026 national budget.
This initiative will help reduce classroom congestion, address teacher shortages, and provide promotion opportunities for those who have served for years without advancement. The new Career Progression System will also include additional administrative and teaching roles, ensuring fair recognition of experience and performance.
Additionally, vacation service credits have been expanded from 15 to 30 days, allowing teachers more time to rest and recharge.
4. Strengthening Professional Growth and Digital Readiness
Teaching in the modern age requires adapting to technology. To support this transition, the government introduced the Teacher Education Roadmap 2025–2035, which outlines long-term strategies for teacher training and development.
A key component of this roadmap is the launch of the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR) — a pioneering program that aims to help teachers integrate artificial intelligence and digital tools into the classroom.
DepEd is also pushing for increased funding for laptops, connectivity, and digital infrastructure in public schools, ensuring that no teacher is left behind in the digital transformation of education.
5. Support in Times of Crisis
The Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters, and teachers often play a crucial role in helping communities recover. Secretary Angara commended the resilience of educators who continued teaching despite recent calamities, including the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu and the series of typhoons that struck Northern Luzon and Bicol.
DepEd has since prioritized the distribution of temporary learning spaces, modular materials, and psychosocial support programs to ensure that both teachers and students can continue learning even after disasters.
“Our teachers are always the first to respond in every crisis to make sure learning never stops. That’s why our recovery programs also focus on helping and supporting them,” Angara emphasized.
The Road Ahead
The government’s new policies mark a significant step forward in valuing Filipino teachers not just as public servants but as nation-builders. However, these reforms must be backed by consistent implementation and funding to ensure that the benefits are truly felt in every classroom.
Moving forward, continued collaboration among the DepEd, Congress, local government units, and education partners will be essential in maintaining this momentum — turning promises into tangible, long-term improvements in the lives of teachers.
Ultimately, when teachers are empowered, students thrive, and the nation progresses.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the ₱10,000 teaching allowance?
All public school teachers covered under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act are entitled to this allowance.
Q2: Are private school teachers included in the new benefits?
Yes. Private school teachers receive a ₱6,000 annual salary subsidy through the GASTPE program.
Q3: When will the 60,000 new teaching positions be available?
The new positions are proposed under the 2026 national budget and are expected to open gradually once approved.
Q4: What is the Teacher Education Roadmap 2025–2035?
It is a long-term plan that focuses on teacher training, technological adaptation, and curriculum enhancement to prepare educators for future learning environments.
Q5: How is DepEd reducing administrative work?
By cutting down the number of required school forms and delegating non-teaching tasks to administrative staff.