By Dang Samson Garcia
THE Department of Budget and Management appealed to both House of Representatives and the Senate to approve funding for the career advancement and allowances of more than 900,000 public school teachers amounting to P38.63 billion.
The allocation was included in the 2024 National Expenditure Program under the Department of Education’s Programs, Activities, Projects aiming to alleviate the teachers’ difficult working conditions.
Included in the proposed funding was P2.16 billion for training program aimed at fostering and supporting the professional and career advancement of personnel in schools and learning centers, as well as teaching personnel who serve managerial, supervisory, and administrative functions at the Schools Division Offices, Regional Offices, and Central Office.
Meanwhile, P26.1 billion would be used to fund new school personnel positions, including P5.47 billion for the creation of 20,000 teaching positions, and the remaining P20.63 billion to fill 37,813 vacant teaching positions.
Also, an allocation under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund was provided for the creation of 5,000 non-teaching positions in support of DepEd’s MATATAG agenda to provide adequate manpower support to teachers to teach better.
There is also an allocation of P4.83 billion in cash allowances would be used to augment expenses for teaching supplies and materials, Internet subscription and other communication expenses, and annual medical examination.
The government also urged both Houses for the approval of P374.98 million allocation for the Alternative Learning System -Transportation and Teaching Aid Allowance for ALS coordinators and implementers.
About P3.77 billion would also be used for the Special Hardship Allowance, an additional compensation to teachers assigned in schools categorized as hardship areas or where commuting is difficult, among other hazards peculiar to the place of employment.
