The Department of Education (DepEd) would like to shed light on reports regarding the “unprecedented amount” of bonuses allotted for public school teachers before 2016 ends.

DepEd teachers have long been receiving a year-end bonus equivalent to one month salary, as mandated by Republic Act 6686 and Republic Act 8441. This was further strengthened by Executive Order 201, series 2016.

An annual additional cash gift worth P5,000 was also mandated by EO 201, and is set to be given in November – along with the year-end bonus.

The performance-based bonus (PBB) for 2015, (Department Order 56, series of 2016) is scheduled to be released also in November this year, following DepEd’s submission of requirements to the Department of Budget and Management (DMB). The value of PBB ranges from P5,000 to P35,000 – depending on the teacher’s ranking, performance, or contribution to the accomplishments of the Department’s overall targets.

Beginning this year, a productivity enhancement incentive (PEI) amounting to P5,000 will also be received by teachers in December. Per Section 6 of EO 201, all qualified government employees are entitled to the said amount.

The aforementioned figures are standard to the mandates of the Department, and consistent to the incentives received and still to be received by our teachers.