DepEd Orders Immediate Release of Teachers’ 2026 Medical Allowance is news that many teachers have been waiting for. When I read the memorandum, I felt relief and hope at the same time. Health support is not a luxury for teachers. It is a real need. This order shows that the government is paying attention to that need.

This article explains what the order means, who will receive the allowance, how fast it will be released, and what teachers and staff should do next. I wrote this in simple English so it is easy to read and understand.

What the Order Is All About

The DepEd Orders Immediate Release of Teachers’ 2026 Medical Allowance comes from the Department of Education. It directs all regional and division offices to process and release the medical allowance for fiscal year 2026 without delay.

The order is stated in Memorandum DM-OUHROD-2026-0160 dated January 26, 2026. It was signed by Wilfredo E. Cabral, Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development.

The message is direct. Offices must stop slow processing and make sure the allowance reaches teachers and staff within the first quarter of 2026.

Why This Order Matters to Teachers

Many teachers pay medical costs from their own pockets. Checkups, medicine, and basic care can be costly. I have seen co-teachers delay health care because benefits arrived late.

That is why the DepEd Orders Immediate Release of Teachers’ 2026 Medical Allowance matters. It helps reduce stress and supports teachers’ well-being. Healthy teachers can focus better on students and school duties.

Clear Deadline for Release

The memorandum sets a firm timeline. The release of the medical allowance must be completed on or before the end of March 2026, as long as funds are ready.

To meet this deadline:

• Regional Offices and Schools Division Offices may use available Personnel Services funds early
• The payment must be done through payroll only
• Manual or delayed methods are not allowed

Payroll processing helps ensure direct payment to teachers and staff. From my point of view, this step helps avoid confusion and long waiting periods.

Who Is Qualified for the Medical Allowance

The guidelines clearly explain who may receive the benefit. This helps avoid mixed messages at the school level.

Qualified Personnel

Current teachers and staff
They must have completed or are expected to complete at least six months of service during fiscal year 2026.

Newly hired teachers and staff
They will qualify once they complete six months of service.

This rule gives equal chance to long-serving employees and new hires. It sets a clear standard that offices must follow.

Required Document: Annex A

To receive the allowance, all qualified personnel must submit Annex A, also called the Medical Allowance Registration Form.

This form allows the employee to choose the individual mode of availment. It also serves as the main basis for payroll processing by focal offices.

Based on experience, missing forms often cause delays. I always tell fellow teachers to submit documents early and keep a copy for safety.

Payment Method Explained

The DepEd Orders Immediate Release of Teachers’ 2026 Medical Allowance also explains how the payment will be done.

• Payment will be through payroll only
• Two individual availment options will be used
• Offices must follow the payroll records strictly

This method helps keep the process clean and easy to track. Teachers will see the allowance reflected directly in their payroll.

Responsibility of Local Offices

The memorandum reminds Regional Directors and Schools Division Superintendents that the medical allowance is a required benefit. It is covered under DepEd Order No. 16 s. 2025.

By ordering immediate release, the Central Office shows that delays are not acceptable. Local offices are expected to act fast and follow the rules closely.

As a teacher, I see this as a strong reminder that benefits are rights, not favors.

What Teachers and Staff Should Do

To avoid problems, teachers and staff should take simple steps:

• Check your length of service for 2026
• Complete and submit Annex A as soon as possible
• Coordinate with your school or division office
• Watch payroll updates

These actions help ensure that you receive your medical allowance on time.

Personal Reflection as a Teacher

I still recall times when health benefits were delayed for months. Teachers had to wait, follow up, and sometimes give up. Reading this order felt different. The tone is firm, and the timeline is clear.

The DepEd Orders Immediate Release of Teachers’ 2026 Medical Allowance gives teachers a sense of respect. It tells us that our health matters and that waiting too long is no longer acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)