Starting Monday, July 29, 2024 public school teachers will start receiving their P5,000 chalk allowance as announced by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara. This announcement was made during his visit to Neptali A. Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong City on July 23.
For the first time in the history of this benefit, the chalk allowance will be tax-free. Secretary Angara assured teachers of this new development emphasizing the significance of the change. He also revealed that under the newly signed Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., this allowance will double to P10,000 in the next school year.
The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act aims to assist teachers with their daily teaching needs and expenses. Secretary Angara expressed confidence that this additional benefit would significantly help teachers manage their classroom requirements. “The cash allowance will be P5,000 this year. For the first time, it’s tax-free. Next year, under the law, it will be P10,000. Every teacher will receive that,” Angara stated.
The initial P5,000 chalk allowance will be distributed in time for the opening of classes on July 29, allowing teachers to immediately address any classroom shortages. Secretary Angara emphasized the importance of this timing, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped as the school year begins.
This allowance is intended to support teachers in purchasing necessary teaching materials and other classroom needs. This move is seen as a significant step in supporting the education sector, recognizing the critical role of teachers in shaping the future.
President Marcos Jr. signed the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act last month, further solidifying the government’s commitment to enhancing the support provided to public school teachers. With this act in place, teachers can expect increased financial assistance, helping them focus more on delivering quality education to their students.
As the new school year approaches, the timely release of the chalk allowance is expected to bring much-needed relief to teachers, enabling them to prepare their classrooms adequately. The DepEd’s initiative reflects its dedication to improving the working conditions and resources available to educators across the country.
