Over a million public school teachers and government education personnel are all set to receive a P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) starting December 20, 2024. The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that the disbursement following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to grant the maximum allowable bonus under Administrative Order No. 27.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the significance of this development, calling it a landmark achievement for the education sector. He expressed gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for prioritizing the welfare of teachers and non-teaching personnel, whom he described as pivotal to the nation’s educational system. This marks the first time the SRI reaches the maximum amount permitted by law, with funds set to be released to regional offices to facilitate immediate distribution.
What Is the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI)?
The SRI is a one-time year-end bonus granted to government employees in recognition of their service and contributions to national development goals. Public school teachers, non-teaching personnel, and other government workers in national agencies, state universities, government-owned corporations, and local government units are eligible to receive the incentive.
Under Administrative Order No. 27, this year’s SRI payout has been increased from P18,000 to P20,000. DepEd personnel, who make up a significant portion of government workers, will benefit from this adjustment. President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of teachers and education staff, calling them a “special category” deserving of focused attention.
Who Qualifies for the SRI?
According to guidelines issued by DepEd, the following conditions apply for eligibility:
- Employment Status: Employees must hold regular, contractual, or casual positions within DepEd.
- Tenure: Personnel must be actively employed as of November 30, 2024, with at least four months of satisfactory service rendered.
- Pro-Rated Incentive: Those with less than four months of service will receive a percentage of the P20,000, as follows:
- Three months but less than four months: 40%
- Two months but less than three months: 30%
- One month but less than two months: 20%
- Less than one month: 10%
- Administrative and Criminal Records: Employees must not have been found guilty of administrative or criminal offenses in 2024.
Note: Exclusions include consultants, job-order personnel, student workers, and those without an employer-employee relationship with the government.
How to Claim the P20,000 SRI
To receive the SRI, eligible DepEd personnel should follow these steps:
Step 1. Check Eligibility
Confirm your qualification by ensuring you meet the employment and service length requirements.
Step 2. Coordinate with Regional Offices
DepEd regional offices will process and release the incentives. Keep in touch with your school or office administrators for updates.
Step 3. Submit Necessary Documents
Prepare documents such as service records or employment certificates, if required by your regional office.
Step 4. Receive Disbursement
Disbursement will be facilitated through the usual payroll channels starting December 20, 2024.
For detailed inquiries, personnel can contact their respective DepEd regional offices or check the department’s official announcements.
Broader Implications of the SRI
The SRI highlights the government’s recognition of its workforce, particularly public school teachers and education personnel. In addition to DepEd employees, the incentive also benefits personnel from other agencies, including the police, military, and state universities. This initiative aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which aim to support government workers’ well-being while encouraging higher productivity.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also emphasized that the funding for the SRI is in accordance with existing policies, ensuring all qualified personnel receive their incentives on time.
Video: Teachers’ SRI for 2024 Increased to P20K
To learn more about this increase in the SRI for teachers and non-teaching staff in Philippine public schools this year, watch this video from Teleradyo Serbisyo:
Final Thoughts
The P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive is a timely acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work of public school teachers and government education personnel. As DepEd prepares to disburse this historic bonus, it reiterates its commitment to supporting its workforce while fostering a stronger educational system. For teachers and non-teaching staff, this SRI is not just a financial boost but a symbol of appreciation from the government. With the guidelines clearly laid out, DepEd employees can look forward to a smooth and efficient disbursement process starting December 20.