DepEd hikes private school teachers’ subsidy by P6K to bridge wage gap

The Department of Education (DepEd) has increased the annual wage subsidy for private school teachers by 6,000 pesos, bringing the total to 24,000 pesos starting this school year, to help bridge the wage gap between public and private school teachers.

The 33 percent hike from the previous 18,000-peso subsidy was approved by the State Assistance Council on July 31 during a meeting in Makati City.

DepEd formally announced the increase after a ceremonial signing led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

“Malaki pa rin ang agwat ng kalagayan ng ating mga guro sa pribado kumpara sa pampublikong paaralan,” Angara said.

“But today, we are taking a decisive step to narrow that gap and uplift the private education system alongside the public,” he added.

Angara said the subsidy increase responds to persistent calls to improve the working conditions of private school teachers, many of whom face low and unstable pay.

Unlike public school teachers, those in private institutions often lack collective bargaining agreements and regular salary adjustments, leaving them vulnerable to the financial status of their schools.

A DepEd-cited survey previously found that many private school teachers earn less than the entry-level salary of public school counterparts, amplifying demands for government support.

The subsidy is given to teachers under the Education Service Contracting (ESC) program, which offers financial assistance for students from low-income families to study in private schools.

Created under RA 8545, or the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act, the program aims to ease congestion in public schools while supporting the private education sector.

DepEd said the Php 6,000 increase marks a concrete step toward strengthening private education and reducing reliance on the overstretched public school system.