In a landmark move to support the well-being of public school educators and staff, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved the release of a P7,000 annual medical allowance for personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd).
This initiative is set to ease the financial burden on teachers and staff, particularly those in low-income, remote, or high-risk areas, ensuring that they never have to choose between their health and medical expenses.
The allowance, formalized under Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024, comes as part of the Marcos administration’s broader efforts to improve the welfare of government workers.
Key Details of the P7,000 Medical Allowance
The P7,000 medical allowance is part of the Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024, and is supported by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Circular No. 2024-6.
According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, this allowance is aimed at recognizing the hard work and dedication of public school teachers and non-teaching personnel. It also aims to promote better health outcomes and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for educators.
Eligible recipients include all permanent, co-terminus, fixed-term, casual, and contractual DepEd personnel who have rendered at least six months of service within the year.
However, the allowance is not available to individuals without a formal employer-employee relationship with DepEd, such as consultants, job order workers, apprentices, and student laborers.
Eligibility and Options for Accessing the Benefit
DepEd personnel have three options to access the P7,000 medical allowance:
- Enrollment in HMO Packages: Teachers and staff can opt for group Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) packages that have been procured by DepEd. These packages are designed to provide comprehensive health benefits, ensuring coverage for medical expenses.
- Individual HMO Purchase or Renewal: Personnel may also choose to purchase or renew individual HMO-type products, allowing them greater flexibility in choosing their healthcare provider.
- Direct Cash Payment via Payroll: For those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) or those without access to HMO services, the medical allowance will be disbursed through payroll. This ensures that even staff in remote locations benefit from the allowance.
Implementation and Guidelines for the Medical Allowance
The rollout of the medical allowance program will follow the guidelines outlined in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2025. This order ensures that the grant is distributed effectively and with minimal bureaucracy.
A notable feature of the program is that the P7,000 allowance will be disbursed through payroll even before recipients submit receipts or supporting documents, ensuring timely access to medical benefits.
However, failure to comply with documentation requirements may result in the suspension of the following year’s allowance.
How This Medical Allowance Will Benefit DepEd Personnel
The P7,000 medical allowance is expected to yield several positive outcomes for the teaching force and DepEd staff, including:
- Reduction in Absenteeism: By providing financial support for medical expenses, the program aims to reduce absenteeism caused by preventable health issues. Teachers and staff will have fewer worries about their medical bills, leading to improved attendance and performance.
- Increased Staff Morale: By recognizing the critical role educators play in nation-building, this medical allowance boosts staff morale, making them feel valued and supported by the government.
- Strengthened Resilience: Especially in underserved communities, the medical allowance helps educators remain healthy and focused on their roles. This contributes to the overall resilience of the workforce in the face of challenges.
Expected Impact on DepEd and the Education Sector
The P7,000 medical allowance is a significant step in improving the health and well-being of DepEd personnel.
By addressing the health concerns of educators, the program contributes to the broader Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670), which mandates health benefits for educators.
The allowance is expected to improve staff retention, reduce health-related issues, and ultimately lead to better educational outcomes for students.
Key Information on the P7,000 Medical Allowance for DepEd Personnel
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | P7,000 annually |
| Eligible Personnel | Permanent, co-terminus, fixed-term, casual, and contractual DepEd staff |
| Eligibility Criteria | At least 6 months of service within the year |
| Options for Access | 1. HMO Packages (group or individual) 2. Individual HMO products 3. Direct cash payment via payroll |
| Document Requirements | No receipts needed for cash or individual HMO options; failure to submit may lead to suspension of future allowance |
| Support for Underserved Areas | Special provisions for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) |
The P7,000 annual medical allowance for DepEd personnel is a crucial step in recognizing the hard work of educators while addressing their healthcare needs.
This initiative not only helps reduce absenteeism but also boosts staff morale and strengthens the resilience of the education sector.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the P7,000 medical allowance?
Eligible personnel include permanent, co-terminus, fixed-term, casual, and contractual DepEd personnel who have completed at least six months of service within the year.
How can DepEd personnel access the allowance?
Personnel can access the allowance through group HMO packages, individual HMO products, or direct cash payment via payroll, depending on their circumstances.
Will the allowance be disbursed immediately?
Yes, the P7,000 allowance will be disbursed through payroll before submission of receipts, although failure to comply with documentation may result in suspension of future allowances.