₱910-M cash incentive program for public school teachers OK’d

President Duterte has approved the release of the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit for public school teachers in recognition of their hard work

and sacrifices amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced ahead of the start of the enrollment for the coming School Year 2021-2022 on August 16.

In his press briefing on Thursday, August 12, Roque said public school teachers will each receive P1,000 for 2021. A total of P910 million will be allocated for the incentives of the public school teachers.

He said President Duterte approved the incentive as reward for the teachers’ work during the global crisis.

“Ito ay bilang pagkilala sa mahahalagang papel ng mga guro lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya (This is to recognize the important role of teachers, especially during the time of a pandemic),” Roque said.

The Palace official said the Department of Education (DepEd) will issue the necessary guidelines for the distribution of the incentive.

Last month, President Duterte approved the September 13, 2021 opening date for school year 20212022.

The DepEd said face-to-face classes will remain prohibited for the coming school year due to the threat of COVID-19.

The incoming school year will end on June 24, 2022, or a total of 209 school days inclusive of Saturdays and the five-day midyear break.

Meanwhile, some private schools and state/local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) offering basic education have already started their classes.