THE TEACHERS’ Dignity Coalition said it supports the bills that seek to grant teaching supplies allowance pending in the House of Representatives and Senate.

TDC said that the proposals will institutionalize the granting of P10,000 annual teaching supplies allowance.

“Currently, public school teachers receive a P5,000 cash allowance (which we previously called chalk allowance),” TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas said.

“It is important to note that this current amount only started to be given in the year 2021 or during the second year of the Covid19 pandemic when teachers are in high demand for gadgets and internet connectivity,” Basas added.

However, while the amount was increased, it now covers internet and communication expenses and even the annual medical and physical examination.

The group urged Congress to assess and review previous expenses of DepEd for the P300 monthly communication expenses reimbursement from March to December 2020 which was not released to teachers as well as the purchase of SIM cards and prepaid phone load; provide a separate fund for internet and communication expenses of not less than P1,500 per month; and implement free medical check-up, hospitalization and medication for teachers.