THE DEPARTMENT of Education has approved a ₱6,000 increase in the annual salary subsidy for private school teachers under the government’s education assistance program.

Starting School Year 2025–2026, eligible private school teachers will receive ₱24,000 annually through the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy, a key component of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program. This marks an increase from the current ₱18,000 subsidy.

The increase was approved via ad referendum by the State Assistance Council, the policymaking body overseeing GASTPE.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara formally announced the subsidy hike during a ceremonial signing event on Thursday. He underscored the government’s recognition of the essential role private school teachers play in delivering quality education.

“We have always stood by the principle that education is a collective mission,” Angara said.

He acknowledged the existing disparity between the working conditions and compensation of teachers in public and private schools but noted that the increase is a concrete step toward narrowing that gap.

GASTPE, established under Republic Act No. 8545 or the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, is best known for its Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme that subsidizes the tuition of junior high school students enrolled in private schools. In addition to student support, the program provides salary subsidies to teachers handling ESC classes.

To qualify for the TSS, a teacher must be licensed, employed full-time in a participating private school, and assigned to teach ESC classes for at least three hours per week.

DepEd emphasized that these eligibility requirements ensure the subsidy directly benefits those contributing to the delivery of government-supported basic education.

Angara also reaffirmed DepEd’s commitment to collaborating with local government units, private schools, and development partners to push for reforms aimed at making education more accessible and inclusive.

The subsidy hike supports several education priorities outlined in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, including the enhancement of teacher welfare, investment in digital learning tools, and reduction of teachers’ administrative workload.

DepEd confirmed that the increased subsidy has been included in its proposed 2026 national budget.