MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has approved a significant increase in the annual Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) for eligible private school teachers under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Program.

From the current P18,000, the subsidy will be raised to P24,000 per teacher annually starting School Year 2025–2026, following the ad referendum approval of the State Assistance Council (SAC), the policy-making body overseeing GASTPE. The move aims to recognize and support the vital role of private sector teachers in the country’s education system.

In a ceremonial signing held Thursday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the importance of private sector teachers in the broader mission of national development.

“Sa mga tumutok sa ika-apat na State of the Nation Address ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr., malinaw na nakita natin—nasa rurok ng kanyang mga prayoridad ang edukasyon,” said Angara. “At mula’t sapul, pinaninindigan natin na ang edukasyon ay isang kolektibong misyon.”

Angara also emphasized the need to narrow the gap between public and private school teachers, especially in terms of salaries.

“Malaki pa rin ang agwat ng kalagayan ng ating mga guro sa pribado kumpara sa pampublikong paaralan. Ngunit ngayon, nagsasagawa tayo ng isang kongkretong hakbang upang paliitin ang agwat na iyon at itaguyod ang pribadong edukasyon kasama ng pampubliko,” he said.

The GASTPE Program was established through Republic Act No. 8545 or the “Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act,” which aims to provide financial assistance to students and teachers in private educational institutions. The TSS specifically seeks to augment the income of teachers working in schools participating in the Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme.

To qualify for the TSS, a teacher must be licensed, employed full-time in a participating private school, and teach ESC grantees for at least three hours a week. These minimum qualifications ensure that the subsidy goes to teachers directly contributing to the academic success of students under the government program.

Angara also highlighted the need for continued collaboration with local government units, development partners, and private education stakeholders in delivering quality and accessible education.

“Katuwang natin dito ang national government, mga LGU, development partners, at ang private education institutions,” he added. “Kaya’t taus-puso ang ating pasasalamat kay PBBM sa kanyang tunay at taos-pusong malasakit sa edukasyon at sa bawat Pilipinong guro.”

The subsidy hike is part of broader education reforms under the Marcos administration, as outlined in the President’s State of the Nation Address. These include improving teacher welfare, providing digital tools for teaching, and reducing administrative workload.