FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – Bereaved families of public school teachers who die ‘in the line of duty’ may soon receive additional benefits through House Bill No. 10772, filed by Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on August 13, 2026.
To be known as “Survivorship Benefits Act for Teachers in Public Educational Institutions,” HB 10772 states that qualified beneficiaries of a deceased teacher whose death was caused by an unlawful act, accident, or other violent or traumatic incident while they are performing officially authorized functions, traveling to or from an officially authorized assignment, or serving as election personnel shall be entitled to a one-time P300,000 financial assistance, in addition and without prejudice to benefits the deceased teacher or their beneficiaries may be entitled to under R.A. 8291 or the Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997.
Minor dependent children of the deceased teacher shall also be entitled to education assistance in public basic and higher education institutions, subject to applicable admission, enrollment, curricular, and scholarship requirements.
“Malaking sakripisyo ang ginagawa ng ating mga guro para magampanan ang napakaraming tungkulin na minsan ay higit pa sa pagbibigay ng leksyon sa klase,” Lazatin said.
“Dagdag pa diyan ang mga guro sa tinatawag na ‘last mile schools’ na minsan ay kailangan pang tumawid ng ilog at masukal na daan para lang makarating sa paaralan,” he added.
According to a 2026 documentary by Victoria Tulad, entitled “Hanggang Huling Milya,” in 2023, 9,225 out of approximately 47,000 schools nationwide were classified as ‘last-mile schools.’ The teachers featured in the documentary reportedly walk approximately 45 minutes to one hour each day, and cross nine rivers just to reach their school.
Teachers have also been designated to serve as poll workers or members of electoral boards during elections. In performing these functions, they undertake additional public responsibilities and may be exposed to risks beyond those ordinarily associated with classroom teaching.
It may also be recalled that in July 2026, a teacher was reportedly assaulted by two minor students at Elizalde National High School in Maco, Davao de Oro, allegedly after reprimanding them for wearing earrings in violation of school policy. The teacher reportedly died two days after the assault.
“By providing immediate financial and educational assistance, this measure recognizes the sacrifices of teachers and assists their families when the teachers’ public service results in death,” Lazatin stated in the bill’s explanatory note.
Lazatin has been known to champion pro-teacher legislation.
On October 2, 2025, Lazatin, filed HB 5067, which seeks to increase the entry-level salary of public school teachers, teaching personnel in Higher Education, and public non-teaching personnel.
To be known as “Entry Level Salary Increase for Public School Teachers Act,” HB 5067 mandates that the entry-level salary of public school teachers be increased from Salary Grade (SG) 11 to SG 15; of public teaching personnel in Higher Education from SG 12 to SG 17; and for the salary of regular non-teaching personnel in public schools to be P18,000 at the minimum.
“Alam ko po ang hirap ng ating mga guro, kaya kasama sa aking legislative agenda ang pagpasa ng batas para sa kanilang kapakanan,” Lazatid said.
