SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a bill seeking to provide additional support for public education workers through an across-the-board monthly allowance for all teaching and non-teaching personnel in basic education.

Senate Bill No. 410, or the proposed Across-the-board Monthly Allowance for All Basic Education Teachers Act of 2025, underscores the state’s duty to prioritize education and uplift the welfare of teachers as key drivers of national development.

“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa mga teachers. Hindi ako magiging senador kung hindi ako natuto noon. Dumaan ako sa mga guro na mababait, nagmamalasakit sa kabataan, at patuloy na nagseserbisyo sa bayan. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagserbisyo,” Go said.

He stressed the vital role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future: “The impact of a teacher extends far beyond the classroom, making them indispensable to the holistic development of each learner and, by extension, to the country’s progress. Legislating salary increases affirms the state’s commitment to investing in its teachers, the backbone of the education system.”

“Hindi po madali ang trabaho ng isang guro… kaya sa abot ng aking makakaya, patuloy ko pong isusulong ang pagbibigay ng mas mataas na sweldo, benepisyo, at incentives sa mga guro,” he added.

The measure calls for assigning the highest budgetary priority to education. Despite significant allocations to the Department of Education, Go noted that many teachers continue to struggle financially and professionally.

“Although DepEd receives substantial budgetary support, adequate assistance for teachers remains lacking. It is imperative to address the growing call for salary increases to ensure their welfare and professional dignity,” he emphasized.

Go also highlighted the burdens teachers carry: “They often use personal funds for classroom supplies and work beyond regular hours to assist students.” He pointed out that overcrowded classrooms—with as many as 40 to 60 students per teacher, far from the ideal 1:25 ratio—exacerbate the challenges.

The proposed allowance aims to serve as supplementary compensation on top of existing salaries and benefits, recognizing the dedication and contributions of public education workers. Coverage includes all teaching and non-teaching personnel in public schools at the basic education level, whether nationally or locally funded, as well as those in alternative and distance learning systems.

If enacted, the Department of Education will determine and provide the monthly allowance, which will also be considered part of the basic salary for computing retirement pay and bonuses. This provision does not preclude future salary increases.