By Brian Campued
Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to increase the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for public school teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to release the P20,000 SRI for both its teaching and non-teaching personnel starting Friday (Dec. 20).
In a press release Monday, Education Sec. Sonny Angara lauded the President as well as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Sec. Amenah Pangandaman for prioritizing the welfare of teachers and staff, who are the “backbone of the education sector.”
“This is a historic moment for DepEd, as we are able to grant the highest SRI ever for our workforce,” the DepEd chief said.
“It is a testament to how much we value the dedication and sacrifices of our education frontliners, especially as they continue to ensure learning excellence amidst all challenges,” he added.
The Office of the President issued Administrative Order No. 27 on Dec. 12, authorizing the grant of SRIs not exceeding P20,000 to government employees, including military and uniformed personnel and those working in state universities and colleges, as well as government-owned or -controlled corporations, for the Fiscal Year 2024.
SRIs are also granted to the employees under the judiciary and legislative branches and other offices “vested with fiscal autonomy,” local government units, and local water districts.
The SRI funding and rate is likewise determined based on the available allotment of agencies and the length of service of government workers.
“Maituturing itong maagang Pamasko ng ating mga kawani at kanilang pamilya lalo’t paparating na ang holiday season,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
-av