The local government Zamboanga has earmarked P69 million for the incentive allowance for teachers this year.

Mayor Beng Climaco said the incentive allowance has increased from P43 million and P47 million in 2016 and 2017, respectively, to P69 million for 2018.

The increase translates to a P1,000 cash allowance for each teacher from the previous P700.

Speaking to education leaders, partners, and stakeholders during the Department of Education’s Division Partnership Summit on Tuesday, June 5, Climaco expressed her continued commitment to education, in particular her support to the learners and teachers of Zamboanga City.

“My dear teachers, I would like to express my gratitude to you and to let you know that we will be here to support the educational development of our pupils and teachers,” Climaco said.

During the summit, Climaco was conferred the plaque of recognition as one of the outstanding special partners in the involvement of the improvement of education, through her efforts on infrastructure and capacity building activities for teachers.

Aside from the cash incentive allowance, the chief executive also reported an increase in special education funds for school buildings, from P183 million in 2017 to P249 million in 2018.

From 2016 to 2018, the total budget for education has reached P1 billion.

“We will continue to give you 21 useful building that is climate resilient. Please expect more,” Climaco added.

The 21 school buildings, costing some P322.80 million are in various stages of completion in different barangays and are expected to be turned over in time for school year 2018-2019.

Climaco kicked off the school year with a turnover of two infrastructure projects for the education sector amounting to P11.1 M.  These were the bleachers at the covered court of the San Roque Elementary School and the TLE building of the Zamboanga National High School West.

Moreover, the local government also hired 40 local school board teachers to augment the DepEd requirement this school year.-(Jamine Mohammadsali)