Private school teachers in the Philippines play a crucial role in educating students, but many also face financial challenges. Rising costs for food, transportation, and rent have made everyday living more difficult. To address this, the government provides the Teacher Salary Subsidy program, which gives additional financial support to qualified private school teachers.
For the school year 2025-2026, the Department of Education (DepEd) increased the subsidy amount to ₱6,000. This helps teachers manage their expenses while focusing on teaching and student development.
Teacher Salary Subsidy Program Overview
The Teacher Salary Subsidy (TSS) is part of the GASTPE program, created under Republic Act No. 8545, also known as the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act. The TSS provides financial support to licensed private school teachers who teach at least three hours per week in schools enrolled in the Education Service Contracting (ESC) program.
The ESC program assists with tuition fees for junior high students in private schools, while the TSS helps the teachers themselves.
Program Details
| Program Name | Amount | Who Can Get | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Salary Subsidy | ₱6,000 | Private school teachers | https://www.deped.gov.ph/ |
Why the ₱6,000 Subsidy Increase Matters
The increase provides an additional ₱6,000 to private school teachers starting February 2026. While the increase was approved in August 2025, payments begin next year. This represents a 33% increase over the previous subsidy. It helps teachers cover extra expenses and reflects government recognition of their hard work.
Who Is Eligible for the ₱6,000 Subsidy
To qualify for the increased subsidy, teachers must meet these requirements:
- Be a licensed professional teacher registered with the Professional Regulation Commission.
- Work full-time in a private school participating in the ESC program under GASTPE.
- Teach ESC students for at least three hours per week.
- Work at a DepEd-recognized school actively enrolled in the TSS program.
New Teacher Salary From February 2026
The subsidy increase directly affects monthly earnings for private school teachers. The updated salaries are as follows:
| Teacher Level | Old Salary (2025) | Subsidy | New Salary (Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (T1) | ₱25,000 | ₱6,000 | ₱31,000 |
| Mid-Level (T2) | ₱27,000 | ₱6,000 | ₱33,000 |
| Senior (T3) | ₱30,000 | ₱6,000 | ₱36,000 |
Education Budget and Subsidy Increase
The 2026 education budget in the Philippines is ₱1.38 trillion, the largest in history. It funds teacher salaries, classroom construction, and various programs to improve the quality of education. Increasing the teacher subsidy demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting educators and enhancing the education system.
Impact on Philippine Education
Higher subsidies benefit not only teachers but also the broader education system. Increased compensation can improve teacher morale, reduce turnover, and encourage talented graduates to pursue teaching careers. Happy and motivated teachers often lead to better student performance, helping to make education more effective and equitable across the country.
FAQs
When will the new ₱6,000 subsidy start?
The increased subsidy begins in February 2026, corresponding to the school year 2025-2026.
How often is the subsidy paid?
The Teachers’ Salary Subsidy is usually paid once a year, though some schools may distribute it in installments depending on school policy and DepEd arrangements.
Can teachers lose the subsidy?
Yes. Teachers may lose the subsidy if they leave the school, stop teaching full-time, or fail to meet the ESC program requirements.