The annual stipend for qualified private school teachers will be increased to P24,000 from P18,000 this school year as part of the Government Assistance to Students and Instructors in Private Education (GASTPE) program.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the increase in the annual subsidy under the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) was approved by the State Assistance Council (SAC), the policy-making body that oversees the program.
In a statement on Sunday, Angara said the increase is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he reiterated his administration’s push for equity and quality in education.
He explained that the move seeks to support and recognize the vital contributions of private school teachers to the country’s education system.
The P6,000 increase to the teachers’ subsidy, equivalent to a 33% raise, was approved by the SAC last July 31.
In June last year, the President signed into law a similar measure intended for public school teachers, authorizing an increase in their annual teaching allowance.
Republic Act No. 11997 or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act” sets an initial teaching allowance of P5,000 per teacher for SY 2024-2025, followed by P10,000 for SY 2025-2026 and every year thereafter.
The chief executive said the law’s enactment was a significant milestone for the education sector as it provides substantial support for teachers, “so they can concentrate on teaching.”
“I think we’re all familiar with the situation when a teacher finds themselves in financial straits. then sometimes, they’re distracted and spend their time trying to increase the support that they can provide their families, and to the detriment of the actual teaching,” Mr. Marcos earlier said.
During the ceremonial signing, Angara emphasized the critical role of private educators in the country’s learning ecosystem.
“There is still a significant gap in the situation of our private school teachers compared to those in public schools. But today, we are taking a decisive step to narrow that gap and uplift the private education system alongside the public,” Angara noted.
According to the education secretary, the message of Mr. Marcos’ most recent SONA was unmistakable: education is his top priority.
“And we have always adhered to the idea that education is a shared mission,” he added.
Angara emphasized that fair and equitable compensation should be the first step in leveling the playing field between teachers in public and private schools.
He pointed out that private and public school teachers continue to have different working conditions.
Angara said the increase reflects DepEd’s commitment to strengthening support for private education stakeholders and reinforcing partnerships with local government units, development partners, and the private sector.
“We are working together with the national government, local government units, development partners, and private education institutions in this effort,” he added.
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