MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Education (DepEd) capped this year’s celebration of National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers’ Day by highlighting government programs that strengthen support for teachers’ welfare, career growth, and digital readiness.
 |
| Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) |
During the 2025 National Teachers’ Day celebration in Pasay City on Monday, President Marcos honored the dedication and sacrifices of teachers in shaping the country’s future leaders.
“You here are the guiding hands, and in your hands our nation’s progress is held. In your strength, in your wisdom, and in your courage, we find the assurance that our future is secure,” the President said.
“On this National Teachers’ Day, we offer you our respect and our deepest gratitude for shaping minds, touching hearts, and building a nation that we can be proud of—one student at a time,” he added.
Increased Benefits and Allowances
According to DepEd, the Marcos administration has rolled out increased benefits and allowances for teachers, including:
- PhP10,000 teaching allowance under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act
- Medical allowance of up to PhP7,000 for eligible personnel
- Special Hardship Allowance for teachers assigned to difficult areas
- PhP1,000 annual incentive every Teachers’ Day
Private school teachers likewise benefited from a PhP6,000 increase in their annual salary subsidy under the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Program.
Career Growth and Digitalization
To further support career growth, the government implemented an expanded career progression system, enabling teachers to earn promotions based on qualifications. A DepEd order also granted 30 days of vacation service credits to ease teachers’ workloads.
Looking ahead, the government targets the creation of 60,000 new teaching positions, backed by a PhP114.39 billion allocation in Fiscal Year 2026 for salaries and benefits.
The administration is also investing in professional development through the Teacher Education Roadmap 2025–2035 and the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR), which will help teachers adapt to emerging technologies. These initiatives align with the government’s push for digitalization in education.
To support this shift, DepEd has proposed a PhP16 billion digitalization budget for FY 2026, which includes the procurement of laptops and internet connectivity support for teachers.
— The Summit Express