House Bill Proposes Tripling Teachers’ Day Incentive to ₱3,000

MANILA, Philippines — House Assistant Minority Leader and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales filed House Bill 4531 on September 11, aiming to triple the current World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) from ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 for all public school teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd).

If passed, the bill would also make the WTDIB a permanent benefit. The incentive was first granted in 2019 through an item insertion in the General Appropriations Law and has since been released annually in time for the October 5 celebration of World Teachers’ Day. More than 950,000 teachers nationwide are eligible for the payout, according to DepEd guidelines.

‘Teachers Are the Bedrock of Nation-Building’

Gonzales, who is a member of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, underscored the importance of the measure in recognizing the sacrifices of educators.

“Teachers are the bedrock of nation-building. By increasing the WTDIB, we are not just providing financial assistance—we are sending a clear message that the country values the dedication and sacrifice of our educators,” he said in a statement.

The lawmaker stressed that the increase would help teachers cope with the rising cost of living and serve as a “tangible gesture of support” for their professional commitment.

“When we invest in teachers, we invest in the next generation of Filipinos. Our bill is a step toward creating an environment where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to give their best,” Gonzales added.

A National Expression of Gratitude

Gonzales emphasized that the measure is “more than just an incentive,” describing it as an expression of national gratitude for the tireless work of teachers both inside and outside the classroom.

“Our teachers work tirelessly, often beyond the classroom, to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed. They deserve a meaningful token of appreciation that reflects their contribution to our collective future,” he said.

Teachers’ Month Observance

The proposal comes as the country observes National Teachers’ Month, which runs from September 5 to October 5. The celebration culminates in World Teachers’ Day on October 5, declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to highlight the critical role of teachers in shaping societies.

In the Philippines, Republic Act 10743 aligns the national observance with UNESCO’s declaration, officially recognizing October 5 as National Teachers’ Day.

If enacted, House Bill 4531 could provide a permanent boost to the recognition of educators’ contributions through a more substantial annual incentive.