NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DepEd Approves Significant Salary Boost For Private School Teachers Under GASTPE Program
Photo credit: DepEd
The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially approved a substantial increase in the annual Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) for qualified private school educators under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Program.
Starting in School Year 2025–2026, the annual subsidy will rise from ₱18,000 to ₱24,000 per teacher. This development follows the ad referendum approval of the State Assistance Council (SAC), the policy-making body that oversees the GASTPE program. The move is aimed at recognizing and strengthening the vital contribution of private school teachers to the country’s education system.
During a ceremonial signing held last Thursday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the critical role that private school educators play in the broader mission of national development.
“For those who paid close attention to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address, it was clear—education remains at the heart of his priorities,” said Angara. “From the beginning, we’ve believed that education is a shared national mission.”
He also pointed out the continuing disparity in compensation between public and private school teachers, noting that this increase is a tangible step toward narrowing that gap.
“There is still a significant difference in the conditions between teachers in public and private schools. But today, we’re taking a real step forward to address that gap and uplift private education alongside the public system,” Angara added.
The GASTPE Program was established through Republic Act No. 8545, or the “Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act,” to provide financial support to both students and teachers in private educational institutions. The Teachers’ Salary Subsidy, in particular, aims to supplement the income of teachers working in schools participating in the Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme.
To be eligible for the TSS, a teacher must be a licensed professional, employed full-time at a participating private school, and teaching ESC grantees for at least three hours per week. These requirements ensure that the subsidy directly benefits educators who contribute meaningfully to the academic progress of students under the government’s support programs.
Secretary Angara also emphasized the importance of collaboration with local government units, development partners, and private education stakeholders to fully realize the DepEd’s goal of providing quality and accessible education.
“We are working hand-in-hand with the national government, LGUs, development partners, and private education institutions,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to President Marcos for his sincere commitment to education and to every Filipino teacher.”
The increase in the salary subsidy is part of a broader set of education reforms under the Marcos administration, as highlighted in the President’s recent SONA. These include improving teacher welfare, providing digital tools for instruction, and reducing excessive administrative tasks that burden educators.
This new initiative reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the evolving needs of educators and affirms its commitment to supporting all sectors of the education community.
Starting in School Year 2025–2026, the annual subsidy will rise from ₱18,000 to ₱24,000 per teacher. This development follows the ad referendum approval of the State Assistance Council (SAC), the policy-making body that oversees the GASTPE program. The move is aimed at recognizing and strengthening the vital contribution of private school teachers to the country’s education system.
During a ceremonial signing held last Thursday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the critical role that private school educators play in the broader mission of national development.
“For those who paid close attention to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address, it was clear—education remains at the heart of his priorities,” said Angara. “From the beginning, we’ve believed that education is a shared national mission.”
He also pointed out the continuing disparity in compensation between public and private school teachers, noting that this increase is a tangible step toward narrowing that gap.
“There is still a significant difference in the conditions between teachers in public and private schools. But today, we’re taking a real step forward to address that gap and uplift private education alongside the public system,” Angara added.
The GASTPE Program was established through Republic Act No. 8545, or the “Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act,” to provide financial support to both students and teachers in private educational institutions. The Teachers’ Salary Subsidy, in particular, aims to supplement the income of teachers working in schools participating in the Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme.
To be eligible for the TSS, a teacher must be a licensed professional, employed full-time at a participating private school, and teaching ESC grantees for at least three hours per week. These requirements ensure that the subsidy directly benefits educators who contribute meaningfully to the academic progress of students under the government’s support programs.
Secretary Angara also emphasized the importance of collaboration with local government units, development partners, and private education stakeholders to fully realize the DepEd’s goal of providing quality and accessible education.
“We are working hand-in-hand with the national government, LGUs, development partners, and private education institutions,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to President Marcos for his sincere commitment to education and to every Filipino teacher.”
The increase in the salary subsidy is part of a broader set of education reforms under the Marcos administration, as highlighted in the President’s recent SONA. These include improving teacher welfare, providing digital tools for instruction, and reducing excessive administrative tasks that burden educators.
This new initiative reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the evolving needs of educators and affirms its commitment to supporting all sectors of the education community.
Aug 4, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
