DBM, DepEd vow release of teachers’ P7,000 medical aid after months of delay

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have assured public school teachers that their long-delayed 7,000-peso medical allowance will be released before the end of August.

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairperson Benjo Basas said the commitment was made during a dialogue with the agencies, where teachers were able to air their frustrations over the eight-month delay.

Basas thanked Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for opening the talks, saying the allowance would directly help educators who already spent their own money for annual medical exams and maintenance medicines.

The coalition cited the example of the Schools Division Office of Vigan City, which released the allowance in cash and required proof of health insurance purchase afterward.

Basas said this system is more practical and accessible compared to the health maintenance organization model required under Executive Order 64.

He appealed to both agencies to adopt the Vigan model nationwide so teachers would not be burdened by bureaucratic and impractical arrangements.

The group also urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to amend provisions of the executive order to allow cash release for those who need it most.

Basas emphasized that with only four months left in fiscal year 2025, the benefit should be delivered in a simple, timely, and truly helpful way for teachers.

Teachers’ groups have long argued that the medical allowance is not just a benefit but a necessity, especially as many educators struggle with out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare and face rising costs of medicines and treatments.

Education advocates added that ensuring timely release of allowances is also a way of valuing teachers’ contribution, noting that better health support directly impacts their capacity to teach and serve students effectively.