Celebrating Educators: The DepEd Anniversary Bonus
Introduction
Each year, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines marks its anniversary, taking the time to celebrate the dedication and hard work of teachers, administrators, and other educational professionals. A key feature of these celebrations is the provision of the Anniversary Bonus to DepEd employees, a fitting financial reward for their relentless efforts in nurturing the minds of young Filipinos. In this blog, we’ll delve into the background of the DepEd Anniversary Bonus, examine the requirements for eligibility, discuss the bonus amount, and highlight the importance of this incentive for educational professionals in the Philippines.
I. Guidelines on the Grant of Anniversary Bonus
DepEd Order No. 047 s. 2018 provides guidelines for the grant of Anniversary Bonus for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 263 and the Department of Budget and Management’s National Budget Circular No. 452. This bonus is granted to government officials and employees on the occasion of the milestone years of the agency where they are employed. Milestone years are defined as the 15th anniversary of the government agency and every fifth year thereafter.
II. Anniversary Bonus Granting Schedule
According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the modern public education system in the Philippines can be traced back to the Royal Decree promulgated by Queen Isabella II of Spain on December 20, 1863. Administrative Order No. 322 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos on March 20, 1997, identified June 23, 1898, as the founding date of DepEd, serving as the basis for determining the milestone year of the Department for the purpose of granting the Anniversary Bonus.
III. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Anniversary Bonus, DepEd personnel must meet the following criteria:
- Employment Status: All DepEd personnel employed on a full-time or regular, part-time basis, or under permanent, temporary, or casual status, and contractual personnel whose employment is in the nature of a regular employee, and whose salaries/wages are charged against the budgetary allocation for Personnel Services, are eligible.
- Service Length: The employee must have rendered at least one year of service as of the date of the milestone year in order to receive the said bonus.
- Employment Record: The employee must have a satisfactory performance rating and not have any pending administrative or criminal charges.
IV. Amount and Release of Anniversary Bonus
- Amount of Anniversary Bonus
The payment of the Anniversary Bonus (AB) for DepEd officials and employees shall not exceed ₱3,000 per personnel, provided that the employee has rendered at least one (1) year of service in the Department as of June 23 of the milestone year.
- Release of Anniversary Bonus
The grant of AB shall be given to qualified officials and employees not earlier than June 23 of the milestone year.
- Frequency of Anniversary Bonus
Any employee may receive the AB only once every five years, regardless of transfers from one government agency to another. This ensures that the bonus remains exclusive to milestone years and maintains its unique significance.
V. Impact on Educators’ Lives
The DepEd Anniversary Bonus serves as a token of appreciation and recognition for the dedication and passion that educators bring to their profession. This financial reward not only supplements their income but also reaffirms the value of their work in the broader society. The bonus helps to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by educators, allowing them to focus more on their primary responsibility – educating and nurturing the next generation of Filipino citizens.
VI. Conclusion
The DepEd Anniversary Bonus is a meaningful and essential part of the annual celebrations in the Department of Education. As we commemorate the department’s milestones and achievements, let us not forget the unwavering commitment of the educators who work tirelessly to shape the minds of theyouth. This financial incentive is a small but significant way of expressing our gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the nation’s progress and development. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with DepEd Order No. 047 s. 2018 is directed for the fair implementation of the Anniversary Bonus. Let us continue to support and celebrate our educators as they mold future generations and contribute to the betterment of the Philippines.
VII. Authority to download/transfer funds for the payment of Anniversary Bonus FY 2023
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has recently issued a memorandum. This memorandum is of significant importance as it authorizes the transfer of funds for the payment of the Anniversary Bonus (AB) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to regional offices.
This action is in accordance with Administrative Order No. 263 and National Budget Circular No. 452. These orders permit the granting of an Anniversary Bonus to government officials and employees. The Anniversary Bonus is a financial reward given in recognition of service. It is granted during milestone years, with the next one set to be in 2023.
The total amount to be transferred for the DepEd Anniversary Bonus is a substantial Php2,871,807,000.00. The payment, which should not exceed Php3,000.00 per qualified personnel, is scheduled to begin no earlier than June 23, 2023.
In the event that the funds allocated for the Anniversary Bonus are insufficient, there is a provision in place. The deficit may be covered by savings from the released allotment for Personnel Services for the current year.
Upon receipt of the Sub Allotment Release Order, the respective Department of Education Regional Offices have a role to play. They are to request their Regional Department of Budget and Management counterpart for the issuance of a corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA).
The memorandum also includes a regional breakdown of the allocation for reference. This allows each regional office to understand its share of the total funds and plan accordingly.
In conclusion, the Anniversary Bonus is a significant part of the benefits provided to government employees in the Philippines. It serves as a token of appreciation for their service and dedication. The recent memorandum from the Department of Education demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that these bonuses, including the DepEd Anniversary Bonus, are properly funded and distributed.
VIII. DepEd Anniversary Bonus is REAL
Notices of cash allowances for the DepEd Anniversary Bonus are now available. Here is the list of schools with their respective notices of cash allowance.
https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/NCA/UPDATED_NCA.pdf
Essential regulations and rules for granting DepEd Anniversary Bonus to DepEd employees
DepEd Order no. 047 s. 2018 – Guidelines of the Grant of Anniversary Bonus
DepEd Order no. 011 s. 2023 – Policy on the Grant of the Anniversary Bonus in the Department of Education
