Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has ordered the release of ₱18 million in allowances for 3,000 retired public school teachers, starting Monday, Feb. 16.
The payout covers the entire year of 2025 under the Old Age Sustenance Allowance (OASA), which grants beneficiaries aged 70 and above ₱500 per month, or ₱6,000 annually.
Domagoso approved the full-year allocation — twice the original ₱9 million request for six months — and signed the order on February 13.
City Treasurer Atty. Paul Vega was directed to distribute the funds between Feb. 16 and 20.
“Last Friday, sabi ko kay Paul, ‘Araw ng mga Puso, iparamdam natin ang pagmamahal at utang na loob sa ating mga guro,’” Domagoso said.
He added that honoring retired teachers reflects the city’s commitment to fulfill past obligations: “What matters most is that we recognize previous obligations.”
The OASA, established under Ordinance No. 7977, acknowledges the service of Manila’s public school educators.
Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony led by the Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS), Domagoso expressed gratitude to the Manila Retired Teachers Association, noting that teachers have produced professionals across fields—from doctors and engineers to lawyers and IT specialists.
“I’m pretty sure marami kayong na-produce na doktor, engineer, lawyer, pati IT,” said Domagoso, himself a product of Manila’s public education system.
He emphasized that the program is a way of honoring those who shaped generations of Manileños. (Odralim Villarez)
