Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced its plan to release an annual medical allowance worth PHP7,000 to public school teachers and non-teaching staff. This move is part of an effort to support government employees with expanded healthcare assistance, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Order (DO) 16 authorizes the release of this allowance. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the initiative aims to alleviate health-related stress within the education workforce. He emphasized the importance of teachers and staff maintaining their health without the burden of medical expenses. Angara noted, "This is our way of recognizing the commitment of our teachers and staff. This allowance is a way to give back and ensure they never have to choose between their health and the stress of medical bills."
The DO 16 guidelines offer three options for qualified teachers and non-teaching staff to avail of the medical allowance. These options include DepEd-procured health maintenance organization (HMO) packages under group enrollment, individual availing of new or renewal of existing HMO-type products through payroll, and direct cash payment through payroll in areas with limited to no access to HMO areas, as well as in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.
The guidelines also encourage HMO packages to include benefits for high-risk cases such as pregnant women, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities, with coverage lasting for a period of 12 months. Qualified recipients of the allowance include permanent, co-terminus, fixed-term, casual, or contractual personnel who have rendered at least six months of service in 2025. However, consultants, job order employees, apprentices, and student laborers without an employer-employee relationship with DepEd are excluded from the program.
The disbursement of the PHP7,000 medical allowance, whether for group or individual availment, will adhere to the existing budget, procurement, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations as outlined by the Department of Budget and Management Circular No. 2024-6.
