DepEd teachers incentives full payment is a topic that many people in the Philippines are now talking about. Public school teachers work hard every day. They teach students, prepare lessons, help in school events, and serve the community. In return, they are supposed to receive a Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) from the government each year.

But in early 2026, many teachers have not received their full incentive pay yet. This has caused concern and calls for action from leaders in the House of Representatives. In this article, we explain what is happening, why it matters, and what people are saying about the issue.

What Is the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI)?

The Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) is a yearly payment that public sector workers in the Philippines receive. It is meant to recognize the hard work they do throughout the year. For teachers, this work includes:

• Teaching students in the classroom
• Preparing lessons and grading work
• Doing administrative tasks
• Participating in activities like elections and disaster response

The SRI is part of the national budget and only becomes official once the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is signed into law by the President. The current amount set for the SRI is ₱20,000 per eligible worker.

This incentive also helps teachers deal with the rising cost of living. Teachers often earn less than many other professionals, so the SRI is an important part of their yearly income and financial planning.

What Is the Current Problem?

In January 2026, a leader from the House of Representatives spoke out about the slow release of teachers’ incentive pay. House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should immediately release the full SRI amount to teachers.

So far, many teachers have only received part of their incentive. The maximum amount paid so far is around ₱14,500. This is far below the full ₱20,000 that they are supposed to get. Teachers and staff in the Department of Education (DepEd) are still waiting for the remaining balance.

Tinio explained that the national government already owes this money to teachers. He also pointed out that many other government employees already received their full SRI before the end of the previous year. Those workers likely already spent their full payment. But DepEd teachers and staff are still waiting.

Why Is This Delay Happening?

The payment of the SRI must follow certain rules. The money for incentives must come from the personnel services allocations in the national budget. Once the budget is passed and signed into law, the funds should be released. The problem seems to be in the timing and processing of the payments.

Some teachers may receive partial amounts first because the Department of Budget and Management releases money in stages. However, teachers and teacher groups say this is unfair because they should receive the full ₱20,000 at once, not in parts.

The delay in releasing the full amount has caused stress and burden for many teachers. Some of them depend on this money to pay bills, buy supplies, and support their families.

What Are Leaders Saying?

House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio is urging the government to act fast. He wants President Marcos Jr. and the DBM to release the remaining ₱5,500 that many teachers still have not received.

“Give our teachers and DepEd personnel the full amount they deserve,” Tinio said.

He believes that paying teachers on time and in full is not just fair—it is necessary. Teachers deserve proper compensation for the work they do and the service they provide to the nation.

Tinio also stressed that the SRI is meant to help teachers cope with the rising cost of living. Because prices of food, transportation, and daily needs are higher than before, teachers need all the support they can get.

Why Do Teachers Deserve the Full SRI?

Most people agree that teachers play a very important role in society. They help shape the future by teaching the next generation. Yet, many teachers in the Philippines do not earn a high income.

The SRI is one way to support teachers and show appreciation for their work. When teachers receive their full incentive on time, it can:

• Boost their morale
• Help ease financial stress
• Improve their ability to focus on teaching
• Show respect and support from the government

Without the full incentive, teachers may feel undervalued and discouraged. Timely payment of the SRI is a way to show that their hard work matters.

What Can the Government Do?

The main government agencies involved in this issue are:

1. Malacañang (Office of the President)
2. Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
3. Department of Education (DepEd)

Leaders like Tinio are calling on these agencies to act quickly. They want the remaining incentive funds released so that teachers can get their full ₱20,000.

The Department of Budget and Management can process and release the remaining funds more quickly. DepEd can also help by making sure that all teachers and staff records are in order so there are no delays.

The President can order key officials to speed up the payment process. Once the order is given, the remaining balance can be released soon.

What Happens Next?

If the government follows the call to release the full SRI amount, teachers should receive the full ₱20,000 incentive soon. This will help many teachers pay for family needs, school supplies, food, and other important expenses.

The government must also find better ways to prevent future delays. A clear timeline for incentive payments each year would help teachers know when to expect their money. This can build trust between teachers and the government.

Teachers and supporters will continue to watch the situation closely. Many hope that this issue will be resolved quickly and fairly.

Why This Matters to Everyone

Even if you are not a teacher, this issue is important. Teachers educate our children. They help young people learn reading, math, science, values, and critical thinking. When teachers are treated fairly, the whole system of education becomes stronger.

If teachers are not paid on time or fully, it sends a message that their work is not valued. This can affect the quality of education. In the long run, this can hurt students and the nation.

Paying teachers their incentives in full is not just good for teachers. It is good for students, parents, communities, and the future of the Philippines.

Conclusion

In simple terms, DepEd teachers deserve their full incentives paid on time. The SRI is a part of their official benefits. It helps them with their finances and shows appreciation for their work.

Leaders like Antonio Tinio are asking the government to release the full ₱20,000 SRI to teachers immediately. Many teachers received only part of their incentive so far. It is now important for the Department of Budget and Management and the President to address this quickly.

Teachers work hard every day. It is fair that they receive what the law says they should get. Paying their incentives in full will support teachers, improve education, and benefit communities across the country.

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