Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso announced on Monday, October 6, that after months of delay, public school teachers and non-teaching personnel in the city of Manila will finally receive their long-awaited allowances.
During the flag-raising ceremony at the Manila City Hall, Domagoso said the local government will begin releasing the first tranche of payments equivalent to April’s allowance starting Tuesday, October 7.
"On Saturday I finish all 100+ documents signed for our beloved teachers of Manila, may utang ang maynila sa kanila. Simula Abril, Mayo, Hunyo, Hulyo, Agosto, Setyembre ganun na kalaki ang utang ng Maynila sa ating mga teacher at non-teaching personnel," Domagoso said.
The payout, amounting to ₱25 million, will benefit around 11,000 teachers and non-teaching staff under the Schools Division Office of Manila.
Domagoso explained that the city’s ability to release the funds came after it secured an additional ₱160 million in collections from national government contractors operating in the capital.
He further said that the windfall resulted from stricter fiscal management and intensified tax collection efforts, particularly targeting unpaid taxes from companies and contractors involved in national projects such as flood control and public works.
“We have collected ₱160 million from those contractors. We call that a windfall,” he said. “Because of that, I’m happy to announce that we can now start paying our teachers.”
Despite ongoing fiscal challenges, the mayor vowed to continue addressing the city’s obligations to educators.
He apologized for the delay in the release of the allowances, acknowledging that while the full amount could not yet be provided, the city government is doing its best to restore normal operations amid ongoing financial challenges.
"Bagamt ito’y iniwan ng nakaraan, moving forward we recognize and we will recognize that obligation of the past," he emphasized.
"Kahit mahirap, kahit sumuot tayo sa karayom, iraraos natin,” Domagoso added. “At least man lang to send a message, given we have much resources, we can address this obligation," he said.
The Manila mayor also expressed gratitude to the city’s teachers for their patience and dedication amid the financial delays.
