Angara signs IRR of law increasing teachers’ allowance

PHOTO FROM Agence France-Presse/INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act which grants up to P10,000 allowance to public school teachers.

Angara signed the IRR in the Senate. Also present during the ceremonial signing were lawmakers from both chambers of Congress.

Section 4 of the document states that the provisions of the IRR apply to all public school teachers who are engaged in basic education curriculum consistent with the policy guidelines and learning delivery modalities recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd).

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Also covered by the provision of allowance are guidance counselors, school librarians, vocational instructors, all persons performing supervisory and/or administrative functions in all public schools, Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Mobile Teachers, as well as District ALS Coordinators in all public elementary, junior, and senior high schools and community learning centers.

“The teaching allowance is granted for the purchase of tangible or intangible teaching supplies and materials, payment of incidental expenses, and the implementation or conduct of various learning delivery modalities. It shall be considered as an outright expense. Grantees of the Teaching Allowance will not be required to present or submit receipts for the expenses incurred,” the IRR reads.

“Additionally, the teaching allowance shall not be subject to income tax,” it adds.

The IRR also indicated that the total amount of allowance that would be granted is as follows:

• P5,000.00 per teacher for School Year 2024-2025
• P10,000.00 per teacher for School Year 2025-2026 and thereafter

“[The] teaching allowance shall be given to entitled DepEd public school teachers not earlier than the official start of every school year, as stipulated in the annual issuance on the official School Calendar in accordance with the law,” the IRR states.

“Provided, that in the event of exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to natural calamities, war, or pandemics, and upon determination by the Secretary, the release of the teaching allowance may be effected prior to the commencement of the school year,” it adds.

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