TSC commends treasury for allocating funds for retirees’ entitlements

A total of K9.9 million will be paid as final entitlements and repatriation to 291 retired teachers in Papua New Guinea.

The employer of teachers, the Teaching Service Commission [TSC], confirmed and announced this long-awaited news to teachers who had visited Vulupindi Haus, Port Moresby, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to inquire about their payments.

TSC Chairman Mr. Samson Wangihomie described the announcement as a significant achievement for the Commission. On behalf of 70,000 teachers, including retirees, he expressed gratitude to the Department of Treasury for making this payment possible.

He further noted that the first batch of retiree payments was made last year.

Mr. Wangihomie stated that the funds have already been allocated to the provincial teachers’ salary appropriation. The Payroll Division of the Department of Education has processed the payments for the 291 retirees, who will receive their entitlements on Pay #10, Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Speaking to the retirees, TSC Commissioner Operations, Maini Mike Ugaia, acknowledged that the payment process had been slow due to the involvement of multiple agencies and the need for due diligence. However, he assured them that retirees would now receive their entitlements.

Mr. Ugaia clarified that the repatriation payment applies only to retired teachers, not resigned teachers.

“Retiring means you have served this country until you are 60 years old, and as a token of appreciation, we pay you your entitlements along with repatriation,” Ugaia said.

He explained that due to the lengthy time frame and challenges faced by retired teachers, TSC’s involvement since 2024 aimed to resolve issues among teachers, provinces, and Treasury.

Importantly, this payment is intended for teachers who recently retired, not those who resigned years ago.

Mr. Ugaia extended his gratitude to Treasury, the Department of Education, and TSC officers for their dedication to the process.

Additionally, he revealed that TSC currently has about 500 more files of retired teachers awaiting processing and submission to Treasury for the next payment batch in 2025.

Finally, the Teaching Service Commission expressed appreciation to the retirees for their years of service to Papua New Guinea.