The Senate and House of Representatives have unanimously ratified the harmonized version of Senate Bill 1964 and House Bill 9682, known as the proposed “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo” Act, bringing a significant increase in public school teachers’ annual teaching allowance, commonly referred to as the “chalk allowance,” to P10,000. Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Chair of the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation, presented the bicameral conference committee report to the plenary on Wednesday night.
Revilla highlighted that the adjustment from the current P5,000 monthly “chalk allowance” to the proposed P10,000 allowance is a vital step towards recognizing the invaluable contributions of teachers and ensuring their well-being. He emphasized the necessity of this measure, stating, “Our dear teachers have long awaited the passage of this measure that institutionalizes the granting of the teaching allowance.”
The term “Teaching Supplies Allowance” has been revised to “Teaching Allowance” to better encompass the various tools necessary for effective teaching. Revilla expressed his satisfaction with the bipartisan agreement, acknowledging the efforts of both chambers of Congress in addressing the needs of teachers.
Representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) and the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA) were present during the ratification process, underscoring the significance of this development for the teaching community.
The final version of the bill now awaits approval or veto from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Once enacted, it will mark a significant milestone in prioritizing the welfare of public school teachers and ensuring that they receive adequate support for their vital role in shaping the nation’s future.
Senator Revilla reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing the welfare of public school teachers, emphasizing the need to honor their heroism and selflessness in nurturing the youth. He recognized the enduring impact of teachers on society and stressed the importance of safeguarding their benefits to uphold their dignity and dedication to the profession.
Source:
Senate of the Philippines
Press Release
March 13, 2024
