Education office releases teachers’ bonus today

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

THE promised P10,000 productivity bonus announced by Malacañang will be released to teachers in Davao Region starting Thursday.

This is on top of the Christmas bonus and cash gifts to teachers, that were already released last November 15, said Jenielito Atillo, Department of Education in Davao Region media relations officer.

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"What we are releasing now is the productivity incentive bonus (PIB) of P10,000 which Pres. Noy (Aquino) declared only for payment on December 15. The division superintendents got the Land Bank checks only last Monday and are now in the ATM accounts of the teachers. Those under Veterans Bank and other conduit banks need three days clearing and will be in the teachers' ATM accounts by December 23 p.m.," Atillo added.

A budget of P258,600,000 has been allocated for distribution to state teachers in Davao Region with P10,000 each.

However, this will only apply to eight out of nine school divisions in the region as the school division of the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) is still facing procedural difficulties in having the money transferred.

"Our goal is really to distribute it before the 24th this month. (Today) we will be distributing the bonuses in the eight school divisions of Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Digos City, Panabo City, and Tagum City," Atillo said.

"But as for Igacos, as of initial estimate, we will be distributing the bonuses around the 28th or the 29th, because there's a problem in having the money transferred to their bank account," he said.

Atillo said he is yet to receive an update from the Igacos division on the matter.

Appeal for understanding

Atillo also appealed for understanding from the public school teachers, saying the problem "was beyond the department."

"Basig mag-away na hinoon ang mga departments but actually the problem was beyond us. Meron lang delay sa schedule ng Department of Budget and Management. It was beyond the Department of Education," Atillo said.

"We're not blaming the DBM but we would also want the public school teachers to be understanding. Konting pasenya sa mga magtutudlo ang among ginahangyo (We request for patience from the teachers)," Atillo said.

Under Administrative Order 3 signed on November 25, President Benigno Aquino III ordered the budget department to release the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) to all government workers.

The public school teachers will be given P10,000 that is expected to be released last December 1.

A teacher support group last week planned to stage a rally if they will not receive their Christmas bonus.

Alliance of Concern Teacher Davao vice chair Benjie Valbuena said they will hold a protest if the like in previous years be released after the holiday season. (With Sunnex)