PBB 2023 DepEd updates have disappointed many public school teachers. Teachers were hoping to receive their Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for the year 2023, but recent news shows that they may not get it at all.

Let’s talk about what really happened, why the Department of Education (DepEd) may not receive the bonus, and what this means for the hardworking teachers in the Philippines.

What is the PBB?

The Performance-Based Bonus or PBB is a special financial reward given to government workers based on their performance. It’s meant to encourage better service and to reward those who go above and beyond in their jobs.

For public school teachers under DepEd, the PBB has always been something they look forward to. It’s not just a bonus – it’s a reward for their effort and hard work in teaching students under often difficult conditions.

What Happened with the PBB 2023 DepEd?

On July 3, 2025, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) met with officials from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at the DBM Main Office in Manila. The meeting focused on the delayed PBB 2023 DepEd payout.

The main point discussed was that DepEd did not meet the requirements to receive the bonus for Fiscal Year 2023. According to DBM, DepEd failed in some of the performance indicators needed to qualify for the PBB.

This came as a big shock to teachers, especially after they worked hard all year and hoped for the bonus as part of their income.

Why Was DepEd Not Eligible?

The DBM said DepEd’s performance was measured using the RPMS – the Results-based Performance Management System. This system rates the performance of different departments and employees.

But here’s the problem: DBM used the same evaluation standard across all agencies, without considering the unique situation of DepEd.

The TDC strongly argued that this was unfair. Public schools have huge workloads, different tasks, and face special challenges compared to other departments. Many teachers still received high ratings in their evaluations.

So why should an entire department be disqualified based on a general standard?

Teachers Feel Disappointed and Frustrated

This update has led to frustration among thousands of public school teachers.

Many feel that the system used to evaluate DepEd’s performance does not reflect the real work teachers do every day. Teachers are in classrooms, often without enough materials or support, trying their best for their students.

TDC’s Response to the PBB Update 2023

The TDC, led by national chair Benjo Basas, spoke directly to DBM officials, including DBM Assistant Secretary Leondido “Dodz” Pulido II.

They pointed out several important issues:

• Teachers are still working hard, even without full support.
• DepEd’s work should not be judged by the same standards as other departments.
• Too much paperwork and system rules are blocking the bonus from being given to teachers.

The TDC also stressed that the current way the PBB is linked to RPMS is confusing and full of red tape. Instead of helping, the system is creating more stress for teachers.

Any Chance of Getting the Bonus?

Here’s some hopeful news: DBM said they are still checking reports and documents.

In fact, 146 DepEd agencies were found to have already been listed as eligible for the bonus. However, these reports were not finalized before, so DepEd’s case is being reviewed again.

This gives some hope that the PBB 2023 DepEd might still be given to some, if not all, teachers – but nothing is confirmed yet.

How This Affects Public School Teachers

For many teachers, the bonus isn’t just extra cash – it’s something they depend on. It can help pay bills, buy school supplies, or cover daily needs.

Losing the PBB feels unfair, especially when teachers already work long hours, deal with large class sizes, and often buy their own classroom materials.

The lack of clear communication from government offices makes things worse. Teachers are left wondering what they did wrong and when the bonus might come.

What Should Happen Next?

There are several things that must happen now:

1. Clear Communication: Teachers deserve updates and clear reasons why the bonus wasn’t given.
2. Fair Evaluation: DepEd’s unique situation should be considered in any performance check.
3. Simplified Process: The RPMS and PBB system should be simplified so that hardworking teachers are not penalized.
4. Faster Response: DBM should finalize its checks and announce results quickly.

Real Talk from the Ground

As a teacher myself, I can say that this kind of news is always heartbreaking. When you spend all year teaching under pressure – with limited tools and overflowing classrooms – even a small bonus like the PBB makes a big difference.

It’s not just about the money. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and respected by your own government.

That’s why this update hit so hard.

Call to Action for Teachers

To all my fellow teachers: keep doing your best. Let’s continue pushing for fair treatment. Speak up, stay informed, and don’t lose hope.

The PBB update 2023 might not be the one we wanted, but if we continue to raise our voices and unite, we can push for better support and recognition.

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