In a recent announcement, the Department of Education (DepEd) stated that teachers across the country may finally receive their long-delayed 2021 performance-based bonus (PBB) within the next two to three weeks. However, this timeline is contingent on the submission of revised forms by all 15 remaining regions, according to Education Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas.
Bringas revealed that as of now, only five regions, namely Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Mimarapo, and Calabarzon, have successfully submitted the required form (Form 1.0) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The processing time for the DBM to release the PBB for all regions typically takes two to three weeks due to the high volume of recipients in the DepEd.
One of the primary reasons for the delay is the presence of duplicate entries and personnel who are not listed in the department’s official Plantilla of Personnel and Personal Services Itemization. This issue has further complicated the process, requiring additional time and effort to rectify the discrepancies.
Interestingly, teachers in Metro Manila might receive their PBB earlier than their counterparts in other regions. The DBM has already issued a Special Allotment Release Order and Notice of Cash Allocation, amounting to P950.9 million, to DepEd specifically for school-based individuals eligible to receive the bonus in the capital region.
The prolonged delay in granting the PBB has drawn criticism from the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT). ACT chairperson Vladimer Quetua expressed disappointment with DepEd’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that teachers had already worked for the bonus in 2021. Quetua criticized the department for its failure to ensure the accuracy of the forms submitted to the DBM, resulting in a two-year delay.
Teachers eagerly await the resolution of these issues, hoping that the revised forms will be promptly submitted to the DBM and processed without further delays. The PBB serves as a recognition of their hard work and dedication, and its timely release is crucial in boosting morale and motivation among the teaching community.
