The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, Dec. 11, welcomed President Marcos' directive to grant a P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) to public school teachers and non-teaching personnel.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, in a statement, thanked the President for increasing the SRI from P18,000 to P20,000.
“We thank President Marcos Jr. for his unparalleled dedication to uplifting the welfare of our teachers and personnel,” Angara said. “His genuine concern for education and his heart for our teachers have once again prioritized the needs of those shaping the future of our nation,” he added.
According to DepEd, the incentive will benefit approximately 1,011,800 personnel.
Meanwhile, Angara reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the increased SRI, in compliance with fiscal policies.
DepEd noted that the DBM will assess the necessary funding mechanisms to finalize the implementation process and facilitate the release of the SRI funds.
A wonderful gift
Angara noted that the recent directive from Marcos will greatly benefit DepEd employees as they prepare for the holiday season.
“Malaking tulong ito sa ating mga guro at kawani para sa kanilang paghahanda para sa kapaskuhan at sa pagsalubong ng bagong taon (This is a great help to our teachers and staff for their preparation for Christmas and the New Year),” Angara said.
“Napakagandang regalo ito ng ating administrasyon na kinikilala ang sakripisyo at serbisyo ng ating mga kaguruan (This is a wonderful gift from our administration that recognizes the sacrifice and service of our teachers),” he added.
Following the President's marching orders, DepEd said that the SRI increase is another step taken by Angara's leadership team to prioritize the well-being of teachers.
Call for ‘substantial’ salary increase
In a separate statement issued on Dec. 10, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) likewise welcomed Marcos’ directive to the DBM and DepEd to explore ways to increase the SRI for public school teachers for fiscal year 2024.
While the directive is highly commendable, the TDC also reiterated the need for a "more substantial" salary increase for teachers and education workers.
“Ensuring that our teachers receive just compensation reflective of their pivotal role in nation-building will further strengthen their commitment and ability to deliver quality education,” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.
“We anticipate concrete actions that will uplift the dignity of the teaching profession and secure a brighter future for our learners and the nation in general,” he added.
The TDC is pushing for a P15,000 across-the-board salary increase for teachers and education workers, along with additional benefits.