A welcome development

Cielito S. Alonzo

THE Department of Education has welcomed the approval on third and final reading of the institutionalization of the staggered increase of teaching supplies allowance in the next four years, which if enacted into law, will be a timely financial boost to the brave and resourceful teachers who courageously accepted the challenge of delivering education in these difficult times.

According to the DepEd, public school teachers are modern-day heroes, expressing gratitude to the Senate of the Philippines for being one with the agency in continuously supporting their welfare.

Under Senate Bill 1092, the staggered increase in the teaching supplies allowance will be 2021-2022 – Php5,000; 2022-2023 – Php5,000; 2023-2024 – Php7,500; and 2024-2025 – Php10,000.

The DepEd welcomes this development, even as the Senate’s suggested staggered approach will help balance this with their fiscal programming considerations.

The DepEd said it is looking forward to more collaboration with our lawmakers in pushing necessary interventions to support teachers and learners, and improve overall basic education system for the benefit of the future generation.

Meanwile, teachers’ groups also commended the Senate for the move, in response to the clamor for bigger teaching supplies allowance.

This, according to the groups, shows that the senators are sincerely trying to find ways to alleviate the burdens of teachers amid the immense demands and challenges of delivering education especially in the time of COVID-19.

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The author is Head Teacher III at Bonifacio V. Romero High School.