Insufficient: Cash Allowance for Teachers

The cash allowance for teachers is very important, especially with the upcoming start of schools in 2022–2023. Teachers’ allowance should be increased because the existing amount of 5,000 is insufficient for the stated official usage of the cash allowance. Teachers had previously refinanced for the beautification of their classrooms, such as repair, repainting, and the purchase of teachers’ desks and cabinets to place the modules, before the start of classes.

The 5,000 cash allowance is tremendously beneficial, but still, the teachers’ request for an increase in cash allowance is quite important. All necessities continue to rise, and even employees who have regular jobs have already felt the imbalance in the salary and commodity prices. The 5,000 cash allowance is only valid for the previous year because, at that time, all the basic commodities had slightly increased compared to the current situation, where the prices were rapidly increasing. The teachers hope that all of their benefits will be improved as well.

In compliance with the Special Provision on Cash Allowance, the amount appropriated herein for cash allowance to teachers shall be used for the payment of five thousand pesos (5,000.00) per classroom teacher for every school year. As per DBM-DepEd Joint Circular No. 02, s. 2021, every eligible public school teacher shall receive an amount of 5,000 per year. The following are the official uses of cash allowance based on this circular.

1. Purchase of teaching supplies and materials, tangible or intangible, for the implementation or conduct of various modes of learning delivery.
2. Internet and other communication expenses; and
3. Annual medical and physical examination expense.

Item 3 is consistent with Section of R.A. No. 4670, or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, provides, among others, for a compulsory medical examination for teachers before they take up teaching and at least once a year for the duration of the teachers’ professional life.

In the previous school year, the said allowance was released as early as June 15, 2021, before the opening of classes as per a memorandum issued to field offices by Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla and Assistant Secretary for Finance Ramon Fiel Abcede.

Teachers believe that the 5,000 cash allowance is insufficient, especially when the allowance will be used to purchase teaching supplies and materials, as well as internet and other communication costs, and an annual medical and physical checkup. Therefore, the government should alter the system and provide additional benefits to teachers. – Doki | Helpline PH