THE Teachers’ Dignity Coalition has renewed its appeal to the Department of Education to release the P7,000 medical allowance for teachers and personnel.

The group is seeking a dialogue with the department regarding the implementation of the allowance, citing continued delays and logistical challenges in the rollout of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)-based system.

In a recent letter addressed to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas urged the department to consider releasing the allowance in cash for this year.

“The amount could be used to cover expenses for the compulsory check-up and other urgent medical needs,” Basas said, pointing to the difficulties and time constraints in processing HMO enrollments for nearly a million DepEd employees.

While the TDC supports the department’s long-term vision, it emphasized that releasing the allowance in cash remains the most practical short-term solution given the current delays.

“If teachers have already undergone their mandated medical examinations, it would be more practical to release the allowance in cash,” Basas added.