Teachers' Overtime Pay Guidelines Unveiled by DepEd

Photo courtesy of PhilStar

In a move to honour National Teachers’ Month 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has released new guidelines around overtime compensation for teachers. This initiative aims to address long-standing concerns over fair pay for educators who go above and beyond their regular duties.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced that the new guidelines, set out on 6th September, align with President Marcos' directive to ensure fair remuneration for overtime work. Angara highlighted that this initiative underscores the administration's commitment to valuing teachers' contributions, emphasising that teachers are indeed the heart of the educational system.

Upon his appointment as Education Secretary in July of the previous year, President Marcos distinctly tasked Angara with prioritising teachers' welfare. This directive has since shaped numerous department policies aimed at enhancement and empowerment of educators.

The newly issued guidelines specify the procedures and standards for DepEd offices and schools. These cover how teachers can claim overtime pay and outline a structured approach involving office heads, human resource officers, and educators themselves. The explicit aim is to create a transparent, efficient framework to administer overtime compensation fairly and promptly.

Beyond overtime pay, the DepEd has actively pursued several initiatives to reduce the burden on teachers and improve their working conditions. A significant move is the reduction of administrative paperwork by 57 percent, thereby allowing educators to focus more on classroom teaching rather than bureaucratic tasks.

Moreover, plans to hire administration officers for every public school—a total of 40,000—by the end of 2026 are underway. These officers will support teachers and principals in handling administrative duties, further enabling teachers to concentrate on their primary teaching responsibilities.

In a bid to solidify these efforts, the DepEd has earmarked P114.39 billion for personnel services in the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). This allocation ensures that teachers' salaries, benefits, and allowances are sustained and enhanced.

Additionally, there’s a push to expedite the distribution of a P7,000 medical allowance, allowing teachers to choose between an agency-issued Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) package or direct cash assistance. This choice aims to offer flexibility and meet individual needs effectively.

Secretary Angara reiterated the administration's commitment, driven by President Marcos’ belief in supporting teachers as "modern day heroes." The combined efforts of introducing overtime pay guidelines, reducing administrative burdens, and hiring additional support staff signify a comprehensive approach aimed at uplifting the teaching profession in the Philippines.

As these guidelines are rolled out, the focus remains on how they will be implemented at the grassroots level, ensuring that teachers feel the tangible benefits of these policies in their everyday professional lives. With these proactive steps, the government reaffirms its dedication to creating an environment where teachers can thrive and continue to inspire future generations.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-09-08