DepEd Preparing Internal Policy for P7,000 Medical Allowance for Personnel

The Department of Education (DepEd) is currently in the process of preparing the Internal/Agency Policy for the P7,000 Medical Allowance for its personnel, according to the latest statement from Teachers' Dignity Coalition Chairman, Sir Benjo Basas.

Basas clarified that although the circular from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already been issued to implement Executive Order No. 64, DepEd still needs to establish an internal policy to properly guide the implementation of the medical allowance program. This is crucial for ensuring that all necessary guidelines are in place to allow smooth processing and distribution of the allowance.

The P7,000 allowance will be given to qualified DepEd personnel, intended to cover the costs of their mandatory annual medical check-up. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to support the well-being of teachers and education personnel, ensuring they have access to regular health assessments as part of their service.

However, Basas pointed out that while this amount will certainly be beneficial for the mandatory annual check-up, it may not be enough to meet the overall health maintenance needs of DepEd employees. He emphasized that maintaining good health throughout their service is essential and should be further supported, as reflected in Republic Act 4670, also known as the "Magna Carta for Public School Teachers."

Basas concluded by urging the government to consider additional health benefits and support measures for teachers and other DepEd personnel to help them sustain their health and productivity, acknowledging the importance of a healthy workforce in the education sector.

As the policy progresses, stakeholders are hopeful that the P7,000 medical allowance will be just one of several measures to ensure the well-being of the nation’s educators.