Teachers' Group Urges DepEd to Release P7,000 Medical Allowance in Cash Amid Delays

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) is calling on the Department of Education (DepEd) to release the P7,000 medical allowance for public school teachers in cash form, citing delays in implementation and the absence of a designated healthcare provider.

Under Executive Order No. 64, series of 2024, the annual medical allowance for public school teachers is to be provided through a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) arrangement. However, according to TDC, the implementation has yet to materialize, with no HMO provider currently in place and the intended medical examination period having already passed.

“Given the delay, it would be more practical and beneficial for teachers to receive the allowance in cash for now,” TDC said in a statement.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has reportedly expressed openness to the proposal, raising hopes for an interim solution while the department works on finalizing the HMO setup.

TDC has also sent a follow-up letter to DepEd, formally requesting a dialogue to discuss the issue and explore possible resolutions. The group said it is currently awaiting a response.

“We hope DepEd will act with urgency. Teachers need this support now more than ever as they prepare for another challenging school year,” the coalition emphasized.

The P7,000 annual medical allowance was intended to help public school teachers cover the costs of regular checkups and other health-related expenses, a crucial benefit amid the demands of the profession and lingering public health concerns.

TDC reiterated that while it supports the HMO concept in principle, the cash release is a more immediate and practical solution under current circumstances.