DepEd releases mid-year bonus to over 1M personnel before SY 2026-2027

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said the release of mid-year bonuses for more than one million teaching and non-teaching personnel has begun, providing additional financial support weeks before the opening of School Year 2026–2027.

The payout, which started May 15, covers around 900,000 public school teachers and over 100,000 non-teaching staff nationwide, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

He said the rollout follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and is meant to recognize the role of educators and school personnel in sustaining learning recovery and implementing reforms.

The bonus is equivalent to one month of an employee’s basic salary, in line with Department of Budget and Management Budget Circular No. 2017-2, which governs compensation benefits for government workers.

DepEd said both teaching and non-teaching personnel, including those in regular, casual, and contractual positions — may qualify, provided they have rendered at least four months of service from July 1 of the previous year to May 15 of the current year, remain in government service as of the release date, and have received at least a satisfactory performance rating.

Angara noted that the benefit comes as schools prepare for the incoming academic year, with the agency rolling out programs focused on improving literacy, numeracy, and digital learning.

“Kapag masigla at suportado ang ating mga guro at kawani, mas nagiging handa rin ang ating mga paaralan para sa pagkatuto ng bawat batang Pilipino,” he added.

(When our teachers and staff are energized and supported, our schools are better prepared for every Filipino child’s learning.)

The mid-year bonus forms part of the government’s standard compensation package for public sector employees and is typically released in May, ahead of school opening. — BAP, GMA News