DepEd Medical Allowance Might Be Given as Cash – A Positive Move for Teachers

DepEd medical allowance might soon be received as cash, thanks to a proposal supported by new Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara. This is a big step that shows he is listening to the needs of public school teachers and staff. It also comes after a request made by the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) asking for a more practical solution to the current health support system.

As a teacher myself, I know how hard it can be to manage health expenses. That’s why this news is so important—not just for me, but for all teachers across the country.

What Did Secretary Angara Say?

Secretary Angara said he is open to giving the medical allowance in cash if it cannot be given through an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). He said:

“Simula pa lang ng termino natin, tinitingnan na natin kung paano maibibigay nang maayos at kapaki-pakinabang ang medical allowance para sa ating mga guro at kawani.”

This means that from the start of his term, he has been looking for ways to make sure the medical allowance is helpful and properly given to teachers and staff.

The Request from Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC)

The TDC, through its National Chairman Benjo Basas, sent a letter to DepEd. In the letter, they explained why giving cash instead of HMO would be better for now.

“Kung hindi po natin magagawan ng paraan na ma-enroll tayo sa HMO sa mga panahong ito, mangyaring ibigay muna ang katumbas nitong cash…”

This request was made because many teachers have already paid for their medical needs, such as their Annual Physical Exam (APE) and other checkups. It wouldn’t make sense to provide HMO at this point in the year when many of these health services are already finished.

What Is the Medical Allowance For?

The DepEd medical allowance is financial support for teachers and non-teaching staff to cover medical expenses. Normally, this is supposed to come through an HMO, where the government pays for health insurance that includes doctor visits, check-ups, and other health services.

But this time, DepEd is also looking into giving it as cash. This way, teachers can choose how to use it, especially if they have already paid for their own medical needs earlier this year.

Why Giving It as Cash Makes Sense Now

Here are a few reasons why giving the DepEd medical allowance as cash might be the best option at this time:

1. Most health checkups are done – Teachers already finished their APE and medical exams.
2. HMO enrollment is late – Since enrollment usually happens earlier in the year, giving HMO now may not be useful anymore.
3. Immediate support – Cash can help teachers right away, especially if they need to buy medicine or pay medical bills.

Angara’s Clear Support for Teachers

Secretary Angara’s actions show that he is serious about supporting teachers:

“Bukas tayong pag-usapan kung HMO man ’yan o cash. Basta legal at makakatulong agad, game tayo.”

This means he is ready to go with any option—HMO or cash—as long as it helps teachers and is legally allowed.

A Better Start for the New School Year

Secretary Angara also said:

“Target natin, sa bagong school year, mapapakinabangan na ito ng mga guro at staff para sa kanilang kalusugan.”

This goal is important. It shows that DepEd wants to make sure that health benefits are ready for use by the time the new school year begins. That’s real action, not just promises.

How Will This Help Me as a Teacher?

As a public school teacher, I’ve often had to pay for my own checkups and medicine. If DepEd gives the medical allowance as cash, it can help me recover those expenses. I can use the money for health needs that matter to me and my family.

It’s not just helpful—it’s also fair. Many teachers work hard every day, and getting this kind of support shows that our work is valued.

What’s Next?

The exact process is still being planned. Secretary Angara says he is open to more discussions. Whether it ends up as an HMO or cash, what matters most is that teachers and staff can actually use it.

Let’s hope this becomes a regular part of our benefits and not just a one-time solution.

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