BACOLOD City – The city government wants to raise the emergency cost of living allowance (ECOLA) of all public school teachers here.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he will propose to the members of the City Council for the passage of an ordinance for the monthly 10 percent increase on ECOLA.
At presently, public school teachers receive a P2,000 monthly ECOLA.
The ECOLA is an additional financial aid provided to educators to help them cope with the rising cost of living.
This allowance has been given by the city government for several years already as part of the efforts to support teachers financially, ensuring they can meet basic needs despite economic challenges.
ECOLA further aims to supplement teachers’ salaries, acknowledging their essential role in education and their need for adequate compensation. It also serves as an important measure to improve teachers’ well-being and motivate them to perform their duties effectively.
Mayor Benitez said if the City Council will grant his proposal, the higher ECOLA will take effect next year. The allocation for the increase will be included in the 2025 annual budget, he added./PN
