, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the full implementation…){kind=link}
PASIG CITY — Consistent with Executive Order No. 64 (series of 2024), the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the full implementation of the expanded healthcare benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel in public schools.
No less than Education Secretary Sonny Angara assured the release of a P 7,000 medical allowance designed to subsidize the cost of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits in support for teachers’ health and well-being.
“The release of funds for this initiative is authorized under DepEd Order (DO) 16 and is intended to alleviate the health-related stress within the education workforce,” Angara said.
“As emphasized by President Marcos, we want our teachers and staff to stay healthy without having to worry about medical bills,” he added.
Angara likewise enthused that the move “is our way of recognizing the dedication of our teachers and staff. This allowance is a way to give back and ensure they never have to choose between their health and the stress of medical bills.”
Under DO 16 guidelines on the Grant of Medical Allowance to the Department of Education personnel, qualified teachers and non-teaching staff may avail the medical allowance in three options — DepEd-procured health maintenance organization (HMO) packages under group enrollment, individual availing of new or renewal of existing HMO-type products through payroll and direct cash payment through payroll in areas with limited or no access to HMO areas, as well as in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.
“HMO packages are greatly encouraged to include benefits for high-risk cases such as pregnant women, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities. Moreover, the HMO coverage shall be for a period of 12 months,” reads part of DO No. 16.
Qualified recipients include permanent, co-terminus, fixed-term, casual or contractual personnel who have rendered at least six months of service in 2025 while those excluded from the program are consultants, job order employees, apprentices and student laborers who have no employer-employee relationship with the DepEd.
“In terms of disbursement, the ₱7,000 medical allowance, either for group or individual availment, will be released subject to the existing budget, procurement, accounting and auditing rules and regulations of DBM (Department of Budget and Management) Circular No. 2024-6.”