The Department of Education (DepEd) has approved a salary boost for eligible private school teachers, increasing the annual Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) from ₱18,000 to ₱24,000 starting School Year 2025–2026.
The adjustment follows the ad referendum approval of the State Assistance Council (SAC), which oversees the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program. It aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to promote equity and quality in education.
During a ceremonial signing in Makati City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the critical role of private school teachers in nation-building and the importance of narrowing the pay gap between them and their public school counterparts.
“There is still a significant gap in the situation of our private school teachers compared to those in public schools. But today, we are taking a decisive step to narrow that gap and uplift the private education system alongside the public,” Angara said.
The TSS, a key component of the GASTPE program under Republic Act No. 8545 or the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, supports full-time licensed teachers in private schools participating in the Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme. Eligible teachers must teach ESC grantees for at least three hours per week.
Angara said the increase demonstrates DepEd’s commitment to strengthening private education and enhancing partnerships with local governments, development partners, and the private sector.
“We are working together with the national government, local government units, development partners and private education institutions in this effort. That’s why we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Marcos for his genuine and sincere concern for education and for every Filipino teacher,” he added.
DepEd noted that the initiative complements other reforms linked to the SONA, including improving teacher welfare, digitalizing teaching resources, and reducing administrative burdens on educators.