DepEd increases subsidy for private school teachers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has increased its subsidy in the annual Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) for eligible private school teachers from P18,000 to P24,000 starting School Year 2025-2026.

The move followed the approval of the State Assistance Council, the policymaking body overseeing the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (Gastpe) program.

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The increase is in line with President Marcos’ directive during his fourth State of the Nation Address, where he reiterated his administration’s push for equity and quality in education.

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In a ceremonial signing held on Thursday in Makati City, DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara underscored the key roles of private school teachers in national development and the need to bridge the gap between their compensation and that of 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 in a news release on Sunday.

The TSS is a component of the Gastpe program, created under the Republic Act No. 8545, or the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act. —PNA