MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) said it has started the release of mid-year bonuses for more than one million teaching and non-teaching personnel nationwide, providing additional financial support ahead of the opening of School Year 2026–2027.

In a report, it said that the payout, which began on May 15, covers around 900,000 public school teachers and over 100,000 non-teaching staff, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

He said the rollout follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and is intended to recognize the contribution of education workers in sustaining learning recovery and implementing reforms in the sector.

The bonus is equivalent to one month of an employee’s basic salary, in line with Department of Budget and Management Budget Circular No. 2017-2, which sets guidelines on compensation benefits for government workers.

DepEd said both teaching and non-teaching personnel, including those under regular, casual, and contractual status, may qualify provided they have rendered at least four months of service from July 1 of the previous year to May 15 of the current year, remain in government service as of the release date, and have received at least a satisfactory performance rating.

Angara said the timing of the release comes as schools prepare for the upcoming academic year, with DepEd rolling out programs aimed at improving literacy, numeracy, and digital learning.

“Kapag masigla at suportado ang ating mga guro at kawani, mas nagiging handa rin ang ating mga paaralan para sa pagkatuto ng bawat batang Pilipino,” he said.

The mid-year bonus is part of the standard compensation package for government employees and is typically released in May ahead of the school opening.