House Panel Approves P3,000 Bonus in Time for Teachers’ Day Celebration

by Miriam G Desacada

Tacloban City–The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture has approved a bill raising the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) for public school teachers from P1,000 to P3,000.

The 66-member panel, chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, endorsed House Bill No. 4531 for plenary approval on May 18. The measure was authored by Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.

Under current DepEd guidelines, more than 950,000 qualified public school teachers receive P1,000 each October 5 to mark World Teachers’ Day. The incentive was first granted in 2019 through a provision in the General Appropriations Act. HB 4531 seeks to institutionalize the benefit and increase its amount.

“We are deeply grateful to the Romulo committee for endorsing this important measure,” Gonzales said. “Our teachers play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future. Increasing the WTDIB is not just financial support — it’s a meaningful recognition of their dedication, hard work, and sacrifices.” Gonzales emphasized.

“Our teachers play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future. Increasing the WTDIB is not only about extending financial support — it is also a meaningful recognition of the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices our educators make every day,” he said.

Gonzales said the proposed increase reflects the nation’s gratitude to educators who often go beyond classroom duties to help students reach their potential. House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan is a co-author.

The 2026 General Appropriations Act currently allocates P983.5 million for the WTDIB at P1,000 per teacher. If the bill becomes law, Congress would need to allocate at least P2.95 billion annually to fund the P3,000 incentive.