TEACHERS across the nation will soon have access to free legal aid, thanks to a new partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), aimed at assisting teachers with legal matters.

DepEd and IBP signed the Memorandum of Agreement on Monday, witnessed by representatives from the DepEd Teachers Union, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition.

The collaboration with IBP will provide public school teachers and school-based non-teaching personnel with access to legal advice and assistance in disputes and other legal concerns, according to DepEd.

“We’re happy to note that this legal assistance memorandum with IBP will benefit not only our teachers but also our school-based non-teaching personnel. This includes administrative officers, accountants, clerks, and bookkeepers across the Philippines. It will benefit over 800,000 teaching and 100,000 non-teaching personnel,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Angara highlighted that the IBP partnership is another milestone in DepEd’s ongoing efforts to support teachers’ welfare — a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Hindi hanggang puri lang ang binibigay natin sa ating teachers, kundi tunay na serbisyo, tunay na public service, at pag-appreciate sa kanilang binibigay sa ating mga mahal sa buhay,” he said.

Meanwhile, IBP President Atty. Antonio C. Pido and Executive Vice President & Governor for Western Mindanao Atty. Allan G. Panolong welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with IBP’s commitment to community service and supporting Filipino educators.