Teachers urge DepEd to implement P7,000 annual medical allowance in cash while pushing for long-term HMO system.

Public school teachers are urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to urgently implement a P7,000 annual medical allowance mandated by Executive Order 64.

In a letter dated April 4 addressed to DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) described this initiative as a 'landmark move' for public school teachers and requested an update on internal rules for implementing the benefit.

The group emphasized concerns over enrolling all eligible teachers within the remaining months of the school year and appealed for an option to receive the medical allowance in cash due to time constraints.

TDC underscored that while immediate cash disbursement is necessary, a long-term HMO-based system would be ideal as it provides more comprehensive healthcare support for DepEd employees.

The coalition urged DepEd to expedite the selection of a reputable HMO provider to ensure teachers have access to quality medical services.