A House committee has approved a measure seeking to institutionalize and increase the annual World Teachers’ Day incentive for public school teachers, as lawmakers push for stronger support and recognition for educators.
The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture approved House Bill No. 4531, subject to style revisions, which seeks to formally establish the yearly grant and raise the incentive from P1,000 to P3,000.
The proposed measure aims to provide a permanent benefit for public school teachers every October 5 in celebration of World Teachers’ Day.
Lawmakers said the proposal recognizes the critical role teachers play in national development and in shaping future generations.
The bill’s proponents noted that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day to honor educators worldwide and highlight the importance of supporting the teaching profession.
Congress earlier enacted Republic Act No. 10743 declaring October 5 as National Teachers’ Day in the Philippines.
Since 2019, the national government has also been granting a one-time P1,000 World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit through the annual General Appropriations Act.
Under House Bill No. 4531, the incentive would be institutionalized to ensure regular funding while increasing the amount received by public school teachers.
The Department of Education expressed support for the proposal, subject to fiscal coordination with other government agencies.
DepEd Assistant Secretary Janir Datukan said institutionalizing the benefit is consistent with the government’s policy of improving the welfare and motivation of public school teachers.
“Institutionalizing this benefit aligns with the declared state policy to elevate the economic welfare of public school teachers and fortify their work incentives,” Datukan said.
The measure now moves closer to plenary deliberations in the House of Representatives.