Update on the release of 2,500 Chalk Allowance/Teaching Materials Allowance

June 20, 2017

As per the conversation between ACT Secretary-General Raymond Basilio and Director Cristina Clasara of Budget and Management Bureau-Bureau of the Department of Budget and Management, it was clarified that:

1. The release of funds in the Regions/Divisions/Implementing Units is done comprehensively. Disbursement is done through the monthly requests submitted by the Finance Officers of the Region/IU.

2. Release of funds could be sourced from the available cash of the Division/IU concerned or through the requests submitted to DBM.

3. DBM approves allocation based on the request/monthly disbursement submitted by the Finance Officer.

READ: Senate approves ‘Chalk allowance’ hike for public school teachers, from P 2500 to Php 5,000

4. The problem is with the monthly disbursement submitted by the Finance Officer to DBM. DBM approves the request as it is, they are only looking at the total of the amount if it is still within the approved allocation. Therefore, if the Finance Officer of the Division/Region/IU requested only the 1,500 then DBM will only release 1,500 as requested.

5. In cases where the Division/IU sourced out the allowance from their available funds (MOOE), it is the Finance Officer who created the disbursement also.

To resolve the matter, Director Clasara will communicate and issue a memorandum to all Regional Directors of DBM to rectify the error in the release of the 2,500.00 Chalk Allowance. Those who received only 1,500.00 will receive the additional 1,000.00 accordingly.

DBM promised to give ACT an update on this within the week. 

ACT also sent a letter to DepED Central Office on this. The letter was forwarded to the Usec. Jesus Mateo, Undersecretary for Regional Operations for investigation and proper actions.