The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately implement the P7,000 annual medical allowance for public school teachers, as mandated by Executive Order No. 64 and detailed in Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Budget Circular 2024-6.

In a letter addressed to Secretary Sonny Angara on April 4, 2025, TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas expressed gratitude for the incentive, describing it as a landmark initiative for public school teachers. However, the group emphasized the urgency of its disbursement, particularly as teachers are now required to undergo medical examinations before the end of the school year.

“With the school year nearing its conclusion, teachers are now required to undergo compulsory medical examinations. Given this urgent need, we respectfully seek an update on DepEd’s internal policy for implementing the said budget circular,” Basas wrote, citing the circulars mandate for agencies to release internal rules and guidelines.

TDC noted that under current guidelines, the default mechanism for distributing the medical allowance is through a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). However, the group raised concerns over the feasibility of enrolling all eligible teachers within the remaining months of the school year.

“Considering the time constraints and potential challenges in enrolling all eligible teachers within the remaining months, we appeal for an option to receive this benefit in cash. This would allow teachers to immediately address their medical needs without delay,” Basas stated.

Despite this request, the TDC underscored that an HMO-based system would be the ideal long-term solution, as it would provide more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare support for DepEd employees. While pushing for the immediate cash disbursement of the medical allowance, the TDC also urged DepEd to expedite the selection of a reputable HMO provider that could facilitate health cards with broader coverage.

“TDC firmly believes that a well-structured HMO system would provide more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare support for DepEd employees. We urge the Department to expedite the selection of a reputable HMO provider that can facilitate health cards with broad coverage, ensuring teachers and other education personnel have access to quality medical services,” Basas added.

The TDC has expressed willingness to discuss the matter, which stands to benefit public education employees.

“We hope for your immediate action on this matter, as it directly impacts the health and well-being of nearly one million education workers across the country,” Basas concluded.

The P7,000 medical allowance is a first-of-its-kind benefit for teachers and government employees and is seen as a partial fulfillment of the provisions under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, which has been in place since 1966. #

For details
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
09273356375