SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday welcomed the Department of Education’s (DepEd) decision to increase the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) for eligible private school educators, calling it a major step in support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s education reform agenda.
Last week, the DepEd announced an increase in the annual Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) for eligible private school teachers, raising it from PHP18,000 to PHP24,000 starting school year 2025-2026.
Speaker Romualdez said the adjustment is not only a much-needed economic relief for private school teachers but also a move that supports the President’s vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system.
“This increase in the annual TSS is a clear reflection of the President’s commitment to raise the quality of education in the country by improving the welfare of our educators,” said Speaker Romualdez.
“Our private school teachers are vital partners in nation-building and in addressing overcrowding in public schools. Supporting them through a salary subsidy hike means supporting better learning outcomes for our students,” he added.
The hike was approved by the State Assistance Council through an ad referendum resolution and will benefit teachers in private schools that participate in the Education Service Contracting (ESC) program—a key component of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE).
The move comes shortly after President Marcos, in his fourth State of the Nation Address, reiterated his directive for reforms that include improved teacher welfare, strengthened support for learners, modern, and inclusive education system.
“We are grateful to the Department of Education, under Secretary Sonny Angara, for acting swiftly on the President’s instructions. The increase in the TSS is not just a financial adjustment—it is a step forward in ensuring that no teacher is left behind in our efforts to deliver quality education for all,” Romualdez said.
The TSS is granted to private school teachers who teach ESC student-beneficiaries for at least three hours a week. These teachers help reduce congestion in public schools by providing alternative learning spaces for students from low-income families.
Citing a 2023 survey showing that over 60% of private school teachers earn below P27,000 per month—the entry-level salary for public school teachers—Speaker Romualdez said the subsidy hike helps narrow the pay gap between private and public educators.
“The government must bridge this inequality to ensure that all teachers, regardless of sector, are recognized and supported in their crucial role of shaping the nation’s future,” he said.
Reiterating his full support for President Marcos’ education reform agenda, Speaker Romualdez pledged to work with his colleagues in the 20th Congress to pass measures that further strengthen the country’s education system.
“As we build a Bagong Pilipinas, we must continue to invest in our educators and learners. Education is the foundation of long-term growth, and every improvement we make today in support of our teachers is an investment in a brighter future for all Filipinos,” he said.
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