Gov't earmarks P955 M for public school teachers

The government has earmarked P955 million to give 950,000 public school teachers across the country P1,000 each as an “incentive” for World Teachers’ Day.

- By DELON PORCALLA

“The P955 million funding for this year’s WTDIB (World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit) is line-itemized in the 2025 General Appropriations Law, with a special provision to guarantee its timely release,” Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales said.

Gonzales serves on the House committees on appropriations and on basic education and culture.

“We assure our teachers that this incentive will remain a priority every year. In fact, we've filed a bill seeking to hopefully enhance the benefit,” he said.

Gonzales, along with Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, earlier this month filed House Bill 4531, which would triple the WTDIB, giving every public school teacher a P3,000 cash gift instead of the current P1,000.

“The proposed higher benefit is not merely an incentive, but a clear expression of our nation’s gratitude. Public school teachers are the backbone of our education system. They deserve recognition not just in words, but through tangible support,” Gonzales said.