President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to enhance the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for public school teachers, aiming to raise it from the current ₱18,000 to ₱20,000. The SRI is an annual financial incentive granted to government employees to acknowledge their dedication to delivering quality public service.

This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,011,800 DepEd personnel. Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed gratitude for the President’s directive, stating, “This initiative underscores our shared goal of empowering teachers and reinforcing their critical role in shaping the future of Filipino learners.” The DBM and DepEd are currently finalizing the necessary funding mechanisms to implement the increased SRI for public school teachers.

In response to this development, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition reiterated its call for a ₱15,000 across-the-board salary increase for teachers and education workers, emphasizing the need for more substantial support for educators. This move reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of educators, recognizing their pivotal role in nation-building and the development of future generations.