MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd)  to collaborate on increasing the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for public school teachers.

According to the Presidential Communications Office Tuesday, the government plans to raise the SRI for an estimated 1,011,800 DepEd personnel to P20,000.

This is higher by P2,000 compared to the P18,000 incentives given to public school teachers

The SRI, a yearly financial incentive for government employees “to recognize their commitment and dedication to quality and responsive public service.”

As of December, Marcos has tasked the DBM and DepEd with exploring budgetary solutions to ensure the SRI increase is feasible, while also upholding fiscal responsibility.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the Marcos directive, describing it as a morale boost for the nation’s teachers.

“This initiative underscores our shared goal of empowering teachers and reinforcing their critical role in shaping the future of Filipino learners,” Angara said.

Further details on the implementation and timeline of the increased SRI will be announced once the DBM and DepEd finalize funding arrangements, it said.