THE COMMISSION on Human Rights lauded the Department of Education and the Department of Budget and Management for increasing the monthly Special Hardship Allowance of teachers and school heads.

From the previous 15-25 percent, the DepEd reported that SHA is now fixed at 25 percent.

The allowance is given monthly to teachers and school administrators who are exposed to “extreme difficulties and hazards in carrying out their tasks.”

Atty. Jacqueline De Guia, CHR spokesperson, said that the move to increase teachers’ allowance serves as a tangible tribute and salutation for their sacrifices especially amid the pandemic.

“The DepEd and DBM’s issuance to increase SHA of eligible teachers and school heads is a commendable step in supporting and caring for education personnel,” De Guia said.

“This move by the DepEd in partnership with the DBM is a concrete way to honor teachers, particularly those who embraced assignments and roles that are difficult and hazardous,” she added.

Teachers in multi-grade schools, mobile teachers, and non-formal education or Alternative Learning System coordinators can also avail of SHA.

De Guia stressed that providing sufficient support to teachers is essential in enabling them to consistently provide quality education to students.

“Filipino teachers have always displayed resilience and resourcefulness in various types of crisis and situations. This effort to provide due compensation is a way to provide protection and financial cushion to teachers who are willing to undertake hardship and risks to deliver their obligations to learners,” she said.