DepEd to release P7k medical allowance for teachers, staff

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara announced that the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to release the P7,000 annual medical allowance for all eligible public school teachers and non-teaching personnel.

Angara said the move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand healthcare assistance for government workers.

“The release of funds for this initiative is authorized under DepEd Order (DO) 16 and is intended to alleviate the health-related stress within the education workforce,” Angara said.

“As emphasized by President Marcos, we want our teachers and staff to stay healthy without having to worry about medical bills,” he added.

He further noted that the initiative reflects DepEd’s appreciation for the dedication of its employees.

“This allowance is a way to give back and ensure they never have to choose between their health and the stress of medical bills,” Angara stated.

DepEd Order No. 16 provides three options for availing the allowance: enrollment in DepEd-procured health maintenance organization (HMO) packages, individual HMO enrollment or renewal through payroll, and direct cash payment through payroll in remote or underserved areas.

The order also encourages HMO providers to include coverage for high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, with each plan valid for 12 months.

Eligible beneficiaries are permanent, co-terminus, fixed-term, casual, or contractual personnel who have served at least six months in 2025. Consultants, job order employees, apprentices, and student laborers are not covered by the program.

“In terms of disbursement, the P7,000 medical allowance, either for group or individual availment, will be released subject to the existing budget, procurement, accounting and auditing rules and regulations of DBM (Department of Budget and Management) Circular No. 2024-6,” Angara concluded. TRACY CABRERA