DBM releases additional ₱7.372B for teacher, school staff incentives

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday announced the release of an additional P7.372 billion to fully cover the remaining funding requirement for the Fiscal Year 2025 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) of eligible teaching and non-teaching personnel nationwide.

In a statement, the DBM said the additional cash allocation “ensures the full and complete payment of the SRI,” calling it a long-awaited benefit for teachers and school personnel who continue to serve on the frontlines of learning and nation-building.

The funds were released through a Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) issued on January 27 and approved by Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo.

Toledo said the release was in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that government support for teachers is felt on the ground.

The DBM explained that due to the large number of personnel covered nationwide and the substantial immediate cash requirement, the Department of Education (DepEd) initially implemented a phased payment of the SRI.

With the approval of the additional allocation, the DBM said the remaining balance may now be released, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive the incentive in full.

Of the P7.372 billion additional allocation, P6.617 billion was released to the DepEd Central Office, while P754.238 million will be released directly to various regional and division offices and other implementing units to ensure timely and efficient distribution.

The DBM cited Administrative Order (AO) No. 40, signed by Marcos on December 11, 2025, which authorized the grant of a one-time SRI to all qualified government employees for FY 2025.

The incentive is sourced from agency savings from personnel services and maintenance and other operating expenses under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

Under AO No. 40, the FY 2025 SRI may be granted at a uniform rate of up to P20,000, including for qualified teachers and non-teaching personnel, as part of the administration’s efforts to uplift the welfare of government workers and recognize their contribution to public service.—MCG, GMA Integrated News