The Department of Education will distribute P5,000 allowance to public school teachers for the start of school year 2022-2023 by Aug. 22.
DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said the financial assistance is intended to support the teachers’ return to classrooms.
“All teachers will get that. I think it will be downloaded to school divisions. Everyone will get their P5,000 allowance by Aug. 22,” Poa said.
Aside from the cash allowance, Poa said schools nationwide would receive supplemental Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses worth P3.7 billion to prepare for the face-to-face classes.
“This is to ensure they have the complete tools, especially for the minimum health and safety standards to be observed like alcohol,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier expressed hope for a successful resumption of face-to-face or in-person classes, noting it will boost economic recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The resumption of in-person classes will revive economic activities in establishments around schools such as school supplies stores, retail industry and the like and in public transport, Marcos said.
Parents will also have the opportunity to go back to work while their children are in school, which means an increase in workforce. “If this becomes successful, it won’t only mean the resumption of classes but also the resumption of business, livelihood, and economic development. This would be a huge help to our efforts to reopen the economy,” he said. – PNA
