(Joey A. Gabieta)
TACLOBAN CITY — More than 983,000 public school teachers nationwide received a P1,000 incentive on Monday, Oct. 5, in observance of World Teachers’ Day, according to Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.
Gonzales said the P983.5-million funding for the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) was included in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, with a special provision intended to ensure its timely release to qualified public school teachers.
“The P983.5 million funding for this year’s WTDIB is line-itemized in the 2026 General Appropriations Law, with a special provision to guarantee its timely release,” Gonzales said in a statement.
The lawmaker said the incentive should continue to be prioritized as part of the government’s recognition of the contribution of public school teachers to the country’s education system.
Gonzales and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan have also filed a measure seeking to increase the incentive from P1,000 to P3,000 and make it a permanent benefit for public school teachers.
House Bill 4531 was approved by the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture in May.
“The proposed higher benefit is not merely an incentive but a clear expression of our nation’s gratitude. Public school teachers are the backbone of our education system. They deserve recognition not just in words but through tangible support,” Gonzales said.
Under the existing policy, qualified public school teachers receive the WTDIB every Oct. 5 as part of the observance of World Teachers’ Day.
Gonzales said the proposed increase would provide teachers with greater tangible support while recognizing their continuing role in delivering basic education.
World Teachers’ Day is observed every Oct. 5, a date established in 1994 under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to recognize the contribution and importance of teachers in society.
In the Philippines, Oct. 5 is also observed as National Teachers’ Day under Republic Act 10743, which recognizes the dedication and contributions of Filipino educators.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
