HOUSE Assistant Minority Leader and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales has filed a measure seeking to triple the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) for public school teachers, raising the cash gift from ₱1,000 to ₱3,000.

“Teachers are the bedrock of nation-building. By increasing the WTDIB, we are not just providing financial assistance — we are sending a clear message that the country values the dedication and sacrifice of our educators,” Gonzales, a member of the House committee on basic education and culture, said in a statement.

Filed as House Bill 4531, the proposal seeks to institutionalize the WTDIB, which Congress first granted in 2019 through an insertion in the General Appropriations Law.

House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan is co-author of the measure.

Under existing DepEd guidelines, the WTDIB is released to more than 950,000 public school teachers nationwide no earlier than October 5 each year, coinciding with the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration.

Gonzales said the proposed increase would help teachers cope with rising living expenses while also serving as a tangible gesture of support for their professional commitment.

“When we invest in teachers, we invest in the next generation of Filipinos. Our bill is a step toward creating an environment where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to give their best,” he said.

The filing of the bill comes as the country observes National Teachers’ Month from September 5 to October 5, culminating on World Teachers’ Day — an annual event declared by UNESCO to honor the vital role of teachers in shaping societies.

In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10743 designates October 5 as National Teachers’ Day, aligning local observance with the global celebration.

Gonzales stressed that beyond financial relief, the incentive reflects the nation’s gratitude to teachers.

“This is more than just an incentive. Our teachers work tirelessly, often beyond the classroom, to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed. They deserve a meaningful token of appreciation that reflects their contribution to our collective future,” he said.