DepEd raises TSS subsidy for private school teachers to P24,000

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced an increase in annual salary subsidies for private school teachers under the Teachers' Salary Subsidy (TSS) component of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program, raising it from P18,000 to P24,000 starting School Year 2025-2026.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara revealed this plan during a ceremonial signing event on Thursday, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving teacher welfare and education quality.

The subsidy increase, approved by the State Assistance Council on Thursday, July 31, represents a 33% raise for private school teachers who participate in the Education Service Contracting scheme.

Angara highlighted the importance of supporting private schools as many are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with around half a million students enrolled in them.

Despite recent scrutiny over the SHS voucher program due to audit findings revealing payments made to 'ghost students,' Angara emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between public and private sectors to improve education quality.