Teachers Will Still Get Free School Supplies Along with Teaching Allowance
Great news for teachers across the Philippines! The Department of Education (DepEd) has confirmed that teachers will still get free school supplies through the school’s operating budget. This is on top of the ₱10,000 teaching supplies allowance they already receive.
This was shared during a meeting on June 30, 2025, with the ACT Teachers Party-list, ACT-Philippines, and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara at the DepEd Central Office.
What This Means for Teachers
Before, some teachers had to spend their own money to buy chalk, paper, markers, and other items for class. But DepEd is now making things clearer: public school teachers will continue to receive school supplies funded through the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) budget.
This is separate from the ₱10,000 annual teaching allowance given to every public school teacher. These two types of support will now continue together.
DepEd Will Release an Official Memo
DepEd also promised to release an official memo to remind all schools about this policy. The goal is to make sure teachers are not using their personal money to buy basic classroom needs.
This memo will help schools nationwide apply the rule properly and avoid confusion about where funds should come from.
Teachers Are Happy with the Update
Teacher groups welcomed the update. They said this is a big help because it means less stress and fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
One teacher shared, “Every peso counts. It’s hard to keep buying supplies when our salary is already tight. I’m glad DepEd is taking this seriously.”
Still, teachers’ groups said they will monitor the implementation closely to ensure schools follow the rule correctly and teachers receive both the allowance and the supplies.
More Discussions Underway
Besides this update, other concerns are still being talked about. These include:
- Overtime pay
- Class sizes
- Extra incentives for teachers
Many teachers feel that while the supplies and allowance help, there are still bigger issues that need long-term solutions.
Why This Matters
Teaching is a tough job. Teachers often go the extra mile to help their students, even if it means spending their own money. By clearly providing both the free school supplies and the ₱10,000 allowance, DepEd is helping ease the financial burden.
It also sends a strong message: teachers deserve full support, not just in words, but in action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the ₱10,000 allowance be reduced because of the free supplies?
No, the ₱10,000 teaching allowance is separate from the free school supplies. Teachers will get both.
What are MOOE funds?
MOOE stands for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses. It’s the school budget used to buy basic items like chalk, markers, and paper.
When will the official memo come out?
DepEd said they will release it soon. This memo will guide schools on how to apply the rule properly.
Are all public school teachers included?
Yes, the update applies to all public school teachers in the Philippines.
Are other teacher concerns being addressed?
Yes, DepEd is also discussing overtime pay, class sizes, and extra pay with teacher groups.
This update is a win for teachers. Getting both the free classroom supplies and the ₱10,000 allowance means fewer financial worries. More importantly, it shows that the government is listening to teacher concerns and acting on them.
As a teacher myself, I know how frustrating it is to buy supplies out of pocket. This move makes a real difference—not just for our wallets, but for our peace of mind.
Let’s hope the implementation is fast and fair for everyone.
