ACT urges DepEd, DBM to release P20,000 SRI to teachers before New Year

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release the P20,000 service recognition incentive (SRI) to teachers and education workers before the New Year.

ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo stated that the DepEd and DBM must promptly issue clear guidelines for the SRI distribution, citing reports of continued uncertainty and uneven implementation.

Bernardo highlighted the prolonged period of stagnant wages, escalating prices, and heavier workloads that teachers and education staff have endured.

She criticized the reduction in salary increases and the suspension or division of expected benefits, noting that any delay or reduction of the SRI would severely undermine its intended purpose.

ACT stressed that the SRI is intended to offer immediate financial relief during the holidays, not to cause further worry due to administrative delays.

Under Administrative Order No. 40, eligible DepEd personnel are expected to receive a P20,000 incentive, to be released in two tranches and directly credited to the employees' ATM payroll.

The first release will amount to P10,000 to P14,500, while the remaining balance will be released after the approval of the request for modification of allotments.

The DepEd confirmed on December 20 that it will begin releasing year-end incentives, which include the SRI, PEI, CNA incentive, and gratuity pay.