ACT TEACHERS Party-list Representative France Castro urged the Department of Education to give teachers and education support personnel the full amount of their Service Recognition Incentive.

“We urge the Department of Education to release the full amount of P10,000 for the Service Recognition Incentive for its employees. Teachers and Education Support Personnel have always been at a loss when it comes to their SRI. Last 2020, they were only given P6,000 due to lack of funds from the agency’s savings while other government employees from other agencies were able to get the full amount,” Castro said.

Under Administrative Order No. 45, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the release of a one-time incentive at a uniform rate of not more than P10,000.

“Teachers and Education Support Personnel are the frontliners for the delivery and continuing of education in our society. Without their hard work and dedication, our youth will not be able to access education. Our frontline educators were able to deliver their services despite the lack of support from the Duterte administration. Granting the full amount for their SRI is only just,” Castro added.

She urged the Duterte administration to also provide equal benefits for job orders and contract of service workers.

“The government employs thousands of JOs and COS workers on a regular basis. Many of these JOs and COS workers have been in government for more than one year, some even working for more than 10 years as JOs or COS. Many of these workers are maintenance workers, security guards, utility workers among others. They should also be granted benefits for their service especially as they also comprise the skeletal workforce of the government amid the pandemic,” Castro added.

“Delayed at pahirapan na nga ang pagkuha ng mga benefits, kulang pa. Instead of giving right away what’s due to teachers, who have always shelled out for the expenses in teaching and in blended learning, it seems that the government would like our teachers to beg for their benefits. Is this how the Duterte government appreciates the service of our teachers?” she said.