| Contributed photo via Department of Education
PASIG CITY, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 64, providing an annual medical allowance of up to PhP 7,000 for medical examinations beginning the fiscal year 2025. This is intended to subsidize the cost of health maintenance organization (HMO)- type benefits for government employees, including public school teachers.
“If we pool that together, we can secure comprehensive insurance coverage for our teachers,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said. This adjustment represents a 1,300% increase from the Php 500 medical allowance granted in 2020, primarily intended to cover the cost of eligible diagnostic tests outlined in Department Order No. 28 to support teachers’ health and well-being.
Through the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act (Republic Act 11997), in addition to the medical allowance, public school teachers also received a PhP 5,000 tax-free teaching allowance for the school year 2024-2025. This allowance will increase to PhP 10,000 starting in School Year 2025-2026 and beyond. Angara co-authored the legislation during his tenure in the Senate.
DepEd reminded its teaching and non-teaching personnel that they can file claims under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-issued Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) policy. The policy provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment up to PhP 100,000 and medical reimbursement up to PhP 30,000 for injuries.
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
