BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

In line with the directives laid out by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. during his recent State of the Nation Address, Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted key education reforms aimed at improving teachers’ welfare at the 2025 National Teachers’ Month Kick-Off program. 

“Alam niyo po, I’ve been in the Department for a little over one year, at ‘di ko nakakalimutan ang pangunahing mga instruction ng ating mahal na Pangulo na si President Bongbong Marcos. Sabi niya, ‘Sonny, you must take care of our teachers, they are the heart of our educational system’,” Secretary Angara said. 

“At mula no’n, ‘yon ay top of the DepEd’s agenda. Kaya nakita niyo po, tuloy tuloy ang mga benepisyo, tuloy tuloy ang pag-alaga ng Department of Education sa ating guro.” 

Secretary Angara noted that the Department has reduced the number of school forms required from teachers by 57%—emphasizing the importance of allowing teachers to spend more time in the classroom rather than on administrative tasks. 

He also underscored President Marcos Jr.’s call for fair compensation for teachers rendering overtime services beyond school hours. On Saturday, Angara issued the Guidelines on the Payment of Overtime Services of Teachers, which provides clear guidance for educators in claiming overtime pay. 

To further support teachers, the Department has allocated ₱114.39 billion for Personnel Services under the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program. This ensures that salaries, benefits, and allowances are properly provided to teachers. It also supports the President’s goal of hiring additional teaching staff to achieve the ideal class size in schools. 

In addition, Angara shared that DepEd has fast-tracked the processing of the ₱7,000 medical allowance starting last month. Teachers may choose between an agency-issued HMO package or direct cash assistance for individual use. This program also prioritizes teachers serving in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. 

“‘Yan talaga ay galing sa puso ni PBBM na gusto niyang tulungan ang ating mga guro dahil sa paniniwala niya, you are our modern day heroes, kayo ang aming bayani. You are our heroes. You are our exemplars. You are our immortal,” Sec. Angara shared in his message to the teachers. 

*All Photos from DepEd