DepEd Puts Teachers First With New Nationwide Reforms

A new wave of reforms is putting teachers first in public schools.

Filipino teachers are now benefiting from bigger allowances, clearer promotion paths, and lighter paperwork. The Department of Education introduced these changes to boost teacher welfare and support stronger classroom learning.

Also read: EDCOM 2’s 10-Year Plan Seeks to End Mass Promotion in Philippine Schools

Teachers now receive a much larger annual medical allowance, which increases from P500 to P7,000. Their teaching allowance also rises from P3,500 to P10,000.

These funds help cover medical expenses and classroom supplies. In many cases before, teachers spend their own money for basic materials used by students. With the higher allowance, schools expect less out of pocket spending from teachers and better prepared classrooms.

The department also introduces an Expanded Career Progression system, allowing teachers to earn promotions and salary increases based on merit while continuing to teach in the classroom. Previously, many educators had to move into administrative roles to receive higher pay.

So far, more than 16,000 teachers receive promotions through the new pathway, while over 40,000 more await approval from the budget department.

Additionally, teachers assigned to difficult or remote locations now receive a fixed hardship allowance equal to 25% of their salary. Before, the rate ranges from 15 to 25% and lacks consistent guidelines.

One of the most immediate changes involves paperwork. Required forms and reports drop from 174 to 75, cutting more than half of previous documentation tasks.

To further reduce workload, the department creates additional administrative and support positions. These staff members handle documentation, coordination, and other non-teaching responsibilities. This setup allows teachers to focus more on instruction and student development rather than on clerical tasks.

The reforms also introduce clearer rules for overload and overtime pay. Previously, extra teaching hours often have no consistent funding or payment system. Vacation service credits also increase from a maximum of 15 days per year to 30 days. This gives teachers more flexibility to offset extra service time.

Further, the department adopts flexible work arrangements during emergencies and expands inclusive hiring policies. Officials say this ensures equal opportunity for qualified applicants and more stable school operations during crises.

Support also extends to private school educators. The Teacher Salary Subsidy rises from P18,000 to P24,000, giving additional financial relief to qualified teachers in the private sector.

DepEd now grants up to five days of wellness leave per year for teaching and non-teaching personnel, supporting mental health and overall well-being amid growing demands in schools.

The leave applies to all qualified employees, including permanent, temporary, contractual, and Job Order personnel directly hired by the department. It is separate from vacation and sick leave and can be used for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or simply to take a break and recharge.

Personnel may take the leave in a single stretch of up to three days or spread it out over the year, depending on their needs and with proper approval.

The reforms are a welcome step for teachers nationwide, setting the stage for stronger classrooms. The real impact, however, will depend on how fully these changes are felt on the ground.

Find out how the ARAL Program supports students caught up by pandemic setbacks here.