The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) acknowledges the Department of Education’s (DepEd) amendment of its earlier directive on the release of the ₱7,000 Medical Allowance, granting teachers the flexibility to choose how they want to receive the benefit.

The amendment, contained in a memorandum dated August 20, came just a day after the dialogue between TDC leaders and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. One of the key options introduced is cash through payroll disbursement, patterned after the so-called Vigan-Romblon model, where teachers receive the allowance in cash and will submit proof of medical expenses afterward. DepEd also reiterated that the Medical Allowance must be released no later than August 31, in line with the agreement made during the August 19 dialogue.

“This is a positive step and we appreciate that DepEd has listened to the voice of teachers. It shows that when teachers stand united and raise our concerns, the government can act in our favor. At the same time, we assert with equal clarity that the allowance must be released in a way that truly benefits teachers—without delays, without undue conditions, without complications,” said Benjo Basas, a Caloocan City teacher and National Chairperson of the TDC.

The TDC had previously raised concerns over the delay in releasing the allowance for fiscal year 2025, with only four months remaining before year-end. The group also highlighted the difficulties faced by Schools Division Offices (SDOs) in implementing the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) scheme through group availment, as well as the potential proliferation of “fly-by-night” HMOs seeking to profit from the ₱7,000 allocation per employee.

Basas, who led the group in pushing for dialogues with government agencies, stressed that the Medical Allowance should benefit teachers, not serve as an opportunity for providers or intermediaries to exploit.

Looking ahead, Basas urged DepEd to begin preparations for the release of the allowance for fiscal year 2026. If the HMO arrangement will again be pursued, it must be the most advantageous to teachers, ensuring the widest accessibility and coverage of medical needs. Otherwise, he challenged the government to reform and expand PhilHealth to make it more responsive to the needs of government workers without any additional cost to them.

“People’s health, especially those who work for the government, is an obligation of the state,” Basas ended. #

Reference:
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
09273356375