SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today hailed the new Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines on overtime pay for public school teachers as a timely move to ensure that educators receive just and fair compensation for their selfless service to the nation.
Romualdez commended the DepEd for addressing the longstanding clamor of public school teachers to be adequately remunerated for work performed outside their regular schedules. He said the issuance of the guidelines is especially meaningful as the country celebrates the 2025 National Teachers’ Month this September.
“Hindi matatawaran ang papel na ginagampanan ng ating mga guro bilang pangalawang magulang ng ating mga anak at taga-hubog ng kanilang kamalayan. Kadalasan ay higit pa ang oras na ginugugol nila sa trabaho, magampanan lang ang tungkulin na ilabas ang talino at talento ng ating mga mag-aaral,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The Leyte 1st District legislator underscored that the new guidelines reflect President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uphold the welfare and dignity of teachers under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
“The Marcos administration is showing that it listens to the needs of our teachers and acts decisively to address them. Ang bagong patakaran na ito ay patunay na pinapahalagahan ng gobyerno ang ating mga guro—ang mga huwarang lingkod-bayan na patuloy na naglilingkod nang buong puso,” Romualdez said.
He emphasized that while teaching is a vocation that can never be fully repaid, the DepEd’s new policy on overtime pay is a significant first step in valuing teachers’ sacrifices.
“Ito ay hindi lamang karagdagang kita, kundi isang konkretong patunay ng pagkilala at pagbibigay katarungan para sa kanilang dedikasyon at sakripisyo sa pagtupad sa kanilang tungkulin,” he stressed.
Under DepEd Order No. 26, series of 2025, teachers will be entitled to 125 percent of their actual hourly rate for authorized overtime work on weekdays and 150 percent for work rendered on Saturdays, holidays and non-working days.
The policy covers all DepEd-employed teachers engaged in full-time classroom teaching, including those in the Alternative Learning System, whether holding permanent, substitute, or provisional appointments. Overtime will be authorized only when extremely necessary, such as when unfinished tasks directly affect learner development or school operations.
Romualdez expressed confidence that DepEd, under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, will continue to implement reforms that reduce the administrative load of teachers and improve their overall welfare.
“Just as teachers in public schools are dedicated to honing the next generation of leaders and movers, we in the government must also be equally committed to measures that benefit our educators and allow them to focus on their mission of teaching,” he said.
The Speaker also assured that Congress will support initiatives aligned with the initiatives of President Marcos Jr. to strengthen and modernize the country’s education sector.
For 2026, the DepEd has been allocated P872.887 billion under the proposed National Expenditure Program, which will help close learning gaps while strengthening the teaching force through fair pay, incentives and benefits.
“Every peso spent on education is a worthwhile investment in the next generation of Filipinos who will lead our country to even greater heights. Likewise, ensuring that our educators are properly and fairly compensated is a valuable investment in their growth, their careers, and most importantly, in the future of their students,” Romualdez said.
He concluded: “Under a Bagong Pilipinas, government officials, lawmakers, and teachers share one mission—we are all public servants who dedicate our work for love of country. By giving our teachers the recognition and support they deserve, we also secure a brighter future for our next generation of leaders.”
