BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

In line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for improved teacher compensation, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2025, which sets the Guidelines on the Payment of Overtime Services of Teachers. The policy ensures that public school teachers who go beyond their six-hour teaching load will now be compensated for their overtime work. 

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move underscores DepEd’s commitment to value teachers’ sacrifices and align with the President’s push to provide additional support and benefits. 

“Mahalaga para sa Kagawaran na mabigyan ng sapat na kompensasyon ang ating mga guro—lalo na kapag sila ay naglalaan ng dagdag na oras sa ating mga paaralan. Tugon natin ito sa panawagan ni PBBM na tiyaking may dagdag na benepisyo at kompensasyon ang ating mga guro,” Angara said. 

The guidelines specify that overtime pay applies only to teaching-related assignments performed within schools, making sure that extra hours spent in service of learners are properly recognized and rewarded. 

Teachers will be compensated at 125% of their hourly rate for overtime rendered on regular workdays, and at 150% for services rendered on weekends, holidays, and special non-working days. 

Furthermore, DepEd clarified that: 

• During weekdays: At least two (2) hours of overtime will be granted monetary compensation. Less than two hours will be converted into Vacation Service Credits (VSC).

• During weekends, holidays, and special non-working days: Up to four (4) hours of overtime will be compensated monetarily, with any excess converted into VSC.

The policy applies to all full-time DepEd-employed teachers, including those in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) under permanent, substitute, and provisional appointments. Teachers are reminded that overtime must be pre-approved by the school head or authorized official and rendered only when strictly necessary. 

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mahal na Pangulo dahil laging nasa pinakamataas ng kanyang prayoridad ang edukasyon—lalo na ang kapakanan ng ating mga guro. Patuloy nating isusulong ang mga makabuluhang inisyatiba upang higit pang iangat ang dignidad at kapakanan ng ating mga guro,” Angara added. 

This latest issuance builds on the reforms introduced last year, when Secretary Angara signed DepEd Memorandum No. 53, s. 2024, which set out concrete implementation guidelines for DO 5, s. 2024. The Order streamlined the rationalization of teachers’ workload in public schools and the payment of teaching overload. These measures aim to foster a more supportive work environment by ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated for additional responsibilities. 

*All Photos from DepEd