Marcos wants P20,000 incentive for teachers

MANILA, Philippines — Recognizing their crucial role in molding the youth, President Marcos wants higher incentives for public school teachers.

Marcos directed the Departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and Education (DepEd) to work together to increase the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for public school teachers from P18,000 to P20,000.

The higher incentive is expected to benefit 1,011,800 DepEd personnel.

The SRI is a yearly financial incentive granted to government employees to recognize their commitment and dedication to quality as well as responsive public service.

Marcos ordered the two agencies to explore budgetary measures to ensure that the SRI increase for DepEd personnel can be implemented while remaining mindful of fiscal responsibilities.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his gratitude for the President’s directive, calling it a morale booster for the nation’s educators.

“This initiative underscores our shared goal of empowering teachers and reinforcing their critical role in shaping the future of Filipino learners,” Angara said.

In an interview in Bulacan yesterday, Marcos emphasized the importance of increasing the SRI for public school teachers.

“Teachers are (a) special category. So we have to handle that individually,” the President said.

Public school teachers welcomed the President’s directive to increase the SRI for this year.

The Teachers Dignity Coalition said while Marcos’ move was welcomed by its members, they remain hopeful that the government would address their need for a salary increase. — Neil Jayson Servallos