The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) welcomed the assurance of Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman that the Technical Working Group (TWG) handling the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) 2023 has reconsidered DepEd’s appeal after it was initially declared ineligible.

In a dialogue with TDC leaders on Tuesday, Pangandaman confirmed that the DepEd’s eligibility has been restored and the matter is now only awaiting the signed resolution that would formalize the grant of the PBB for teachers and non-teaching personnel.

“Sa meeting natin kay Secretary Pangandaman kahapon, malinaw po ang kanyang sinabi—eligible na ang mga guro at kawani ng DepEd sa PBB 2023. Hinihintay na lamang ang opisyal na resolusyon,” Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson reported.

Basas, who has consistently pushed for the release of the bonus, earlier criticized the disqualification of DepEd personnel, calling the system “flawed, burdensome, and demoralizing.”

“Our teachers have always met, and often exceeded, their duties despite the overwhelming challenges in the public school system. We deserve recognition, not exclusion, from the Performance-Based Bonus,” Basas stressed in a previous statement.

Basas also urged the government to reform the current PBB framework, which he said unfairly penalizes teachers due to bureaucratic requirements under the Results-Based Performance Management System (RPMS), the performance rating system of the DepEd.

With the DBM’s confirmation, the TDC expressed optimism that the long-awaited bonus will soon be released to almost one million teachers and DepEd employees across the country.

“This is a positive development for our teachers. But beyond this, we continue to push for a more just, simplified, and genuinely rewarding incentive system,” Basas added.

The TDC vowed to monitor the next steps closely to ensure the immediate issuance of the resolution and the prompt release of the PBB 2023 to all eligible DepEd personnel. #

For details:
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson
09273356375