PASIG CITY, 20 August 2024 — Public school teachers will enjoy expanded healthcare benefits with the introduction of a Php 7,000 medical allowance for government employees beginning fiscal year 2025. This significant increase from the Php 500 medical examination allowance provided in 2020 marks a substantial enhancement in support for teachers’ health and well-being.

Under Executive Order No. 64, s. 2024, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the government will provide an annual medical allowance of up to Php 7,000 to eligible government civilian personnel, including public school teachers. This allowance is intended to subsidize the cost of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits.

“If we pool that together, we can secure comprehensive insurance coverage for our teachers,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated. This adjustment represents a 1,300% increase from the Php 500 medical allowance granted in 2020, which was primarily intended to cover the cost of eligible diagnostic tests, as outlined in Department Order No. 28, s. 2020.

In addition to the medical allowance, public school teachers also received a Php 5,000 tax-free teaching allowance for the School Year 2024-2025. Thanks to the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act (Republic Act 11997), co-authored by Secretary Angara during his tenure in the Senate, this allowance will increase to Php 10,000 starting in School Year 2025-2026 and beyond.

Furthermore, the Department has reminded its teaching and non-teaching personnel that they are eligible to file claims under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-issued Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) policy. This policy provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment up to Php 100,000 and medical reimbursement up to Php 30,000 for injuries.

 

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