TDC Urges Immediate Meeting with DBM Secretary Pangandaman Over Teacher Salaries and Bonuses
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has made an urgent appeal to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, seeking immediate discussions regarding critical issues affecting public school teachers. This appeal, detailed in a letter dated July 4, 2024, follows a series of communications from TDC, underscoring the need for clarity on salary increases and performance bonuses for educators.
Call for Clarity on Salary Increases and PBB
In their recent letter, TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas highlighted the coalition’s primary concerns, which revolve around three pivotal points:
1. Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for Fiscal Year 2022
Public school teachers have been awaiting the release of their Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for over a year. Despite submitting all necessary documentation, the incentive remains unpaid, causing widespread frustration. The TDC seeks an explanation for the delay and a timeline for when teachers can expect to receive their bonuses.
2. Impact of Executive Order No. 61 on Incentives
President Marcos’ Executive Order No. 61 has suspended the Results-Based Performance Management System (RBPMS) and the Performance-Based Incentive System (PBIS), leading to uncertainty about the continuity of specific bonuses. While the TDC agrees that the PBB, criticized for its burdensome and bureaucratic nature, may be phased out, they demand assurances that other incentives such as the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) and Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) will continue. Furthermore, the coalition seeks clarity on whether teachers must adhere to DepEd’s RPMS rules for the 2023-2024 school year, as the department has yet to respond to multiple inquiries.
3. Status of Salary Increase for Fiscal Year 2024
The DBM had previously committed to releasing studies on a new compensation scheme for government employees by the end of June 2024. As of early July, there has been no update, leaving teachers in a state of uncertainty about their expected salary adjustments. The TDC is pressing for an immediate release of these findings and a clear plan for implementing salary increases.
TDC’s Appeal for Prompt Action
The TDC emphasizes the urgency of these issues, noting that DepEd employs nearly one million individuals, all of whom are awaiting news on their salary increases and incentives for fiscal year 2024. The coalition hopes that Secretary Pangandaman will address these concerns swiftly to alleviate the growing anxiety among educators.
Future Dialogues with Incoming DepEd Secretary
In addition to seeking immediate action from Secretary Pangandaman, the TDC plans to bring these matters to the attention of incoming DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. The coalition is hopeful that the new secretary will be receptive to their concerns and will facilitate a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving these pressing issues.
Conclusion
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition’s request for an urgent meeting with DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlights the critical need for transparency and resolution regarding teacher salaries and bonuses. As the TDC continues to advocate for the rights and welfare of public school teachers, they remain committed to ensuring that educators receive the compensation and recognition they deserve.
Update as of August 1, 2024
MAY EO NA BA ANG SALARY ADJUSTMENT?
Galing po direct sa isang kaibigan natin from DBM ang balita, yung EO for Salary Increase ay nasa Office of the President na for approval.
Huwag umasang malkai ito kasi nasa ilalim pa rin ng SSL. Pero sabi ng DBM during our dialogue last July 11, “more competitive than the orevious ones.”
Basta’t maghintay ka lamang!
Source: Sir Benjo Basas
