THE DEPARTMENT of Budget has released an additional PHP7.37 billion for the 2025 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) of teachers and non-teaching personnel, Malacañang announced Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said DBM Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo approved the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) on Jan. 27 to facilitate the release of funds for the one-time SRI of teaching and non-teaching personnel.

“Sa pag-apruba ng karagdagang cash allocation, maaari nang bayaran ang natitirang balanse upang matanggap ng mga kuwalipikadong benepisyaryo ang buong halaga ng kanilang incentive (With the approval of the additional cash allocation, the remaining balance can now be paid so that qualified beneficiaries may receive the full amount of their incentive),” Castro said.

Castro also expressed the government’s appreciation for the country’s educators and school staff.

“Sa ating mga guro at non-teaching staff, maraming salamat po sa inyong serbisyo at pagsisikap upang gabayan ang kabataan. Saludo po sa inyo ang pamahalaan at ang buong bayan (To our teachers and non-teaching staff, thank you very much for your service and dedication in guiding the youth. The government and the entire nation salute you),” she added.

The release of funds was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Administrative Order (AO) 40 on Dec. 11, 2025, granting a one-time SRI to eligible government employees, including teachers.

Under AO 40, Marcos authorizes a one-time SRI at a uniform rate not exceeding PHP20,000 for personnel working under the executive department.

Payment of the SRI began as early as Dec. 15, 2025. (PNA)