Teachers to receive P3,500 cash allowance in June – DepEd

The Department of Education said on Monday that teachers are set to receive a one-time P3,500 cash allowance each this June to be used for any teaching-related expenses for the entire school year.

"This is an additional benefit. It's budgeted. It is ready for release. We are just waiting for the guidelines on the use of the cash allowance kasi may idadagdag lang po kami na provision," Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said in a virtual press briefing.

The cash allowance, which was formerly called "chalk allowance," will be used for the purchase of teaching supplies and materials for School Year 2020-2021.

"We are transitioning to the learning continuity plan. Instead po kasi dati ang tawag dito 'chalk allowance,' pambili ito ng chalk ng mga teachers na nag-start ng P500 then, later on, every year, nadadagdagan 'to, including all other materials and needs of the teachers," Sevilla said.

She added that the cash allowance does not have to be liquidated or reported by the teachers.

Sevilla said the cash allowance will be given together with the teachers' salary for June.

Meanwhile, she said the DepEd is coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management regarding the teachers' communication allowance.

"Nagpapaalam po tayo dahil may bagong paraan ng training dahil 'di na nagbiya-biyahe ang mga guro, madalas na ginagamit ay internet or WiFi connection," Sevilla said.

She added the department together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology are also in talks with several telecommunication companies regarding an agreement on the internet subscription of teachers.

"In the long term, hintayin po natin 'yon baka kasi 'di na rin kailanganin ng gastusin dahil baka mayroon ng exclusive provider for education package ng mga online needs natin," Sevilla said.

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DepEd also developed a learning continuity plan to address concerns regarding the conduct of classes and implementation of flexible learning options that would cater to the needs of learners. — DVM, GMA News