Guaranteed timely release of the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit
House Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales has announced a commitment to the timely release of the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB), totaling ₱955 million. He noted that more than 950,000 public school teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd) are set to receive their ₱1,000 WTDIB on Oct. 5, a schedule he described as a priority backed by law.
Where the funding comes from
Gonzales explained that the ₱955 million for this year’s WTDIB is line-itemized in the 2025 General Appropriations Law (GAA), with a special provision to guarantee its timely release. The commitment is grounded in the budget law’s framework, ensuring that the incentive reaches teachers without delays and supports DepEd’s ongoing mission to improve public education nationwide.
Who benefits and why it matters
According to Gonzales, the incentive targets the nation’s public school teachers, who remain the backbone of the education system. The timely payout is intended to recognize their dedication and to bolster morale as schools navigate ongoing changes in curriculum, resources, and student needs. The release schedule aligns with annual World Teachers’ Day celebrations, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to teacher support.
Legislative push to enhance the benefit
Beyond this year’s release, Gonzales and House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan filed House Bill (HB) No. 4531, proposing to triple the WTDIB from ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 and to make the benefit a more permanent feature of education policy. In remarks accompanying the bill, the lawmakers framed the move as a tangible expression of gratitude for teachers’ hard work and indispensable role in nation-building.
From one-time aid to a lasting policy
The sponsors describe WTDIB as more than an annual gift; they aim to anchor it in law. HB No. 4531 would seek to preserve the incentive in the GAA as a standing provision, transforming it from a line-item exception into a stable policy that can better support teachers over the long term. The measure builds on the 2019 insertion that first established WTDIB, which Congress enacted through simple line-item language in the General Appropriations Act that year.
World Teachers’ Day: context and significance
World Teachers’ Day, observed every Oct. 5 since 1994, honors teachers’ essential role in shaping societies, a purpose underscored by UNESCO. In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10743 likewise designates Oct. 5 as National Teachers’ Day to recognize the dedication and compassion of Filipino educators, reinforcing the country’s commitment to elevating the profession through both recognition and support.
What this means for DepEd and the teaching profession
For DepEd, timely disbursement of the WTDIB helps stabilize the annual budgeting cycle and ensures that incentive payments reach teachers when expected, avoiding disruptions to classroom morale. For teachers, the regular presentation of this benefit can reinforce a sense of value and motivation as they carry out their crucial duties. While HB 4531 proposes a substantial increase, proponents also stress that any enhancement should be paired with sustainable funding and transparent administration to maximize impact.
Looking ahead
As Oct. 5 approaches, education advocates and lawmakers will continue to monitor the WTDIB’s implementation and the broader policy discussions around teacher compensation. The ongoing dialogue reflects a shared aim: to honor teachers with both words and tangible support, while ensuring that such benefits remain dependable fixtures in the nation’s education framework.
