Advisory on the Release of FY 2025 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI)

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued an official advisory outlining the release, funding mechanism, and payment guidelines for the Fiscal Year 2025 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for eligible personnel. Anchored on recent issuances from the Office of the President and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the memorandum provides clarity on the approved incentive amount, the phased release of funds, and the responsibilities of DepEd operating units to ensure timely and compliant disbursement. This article summarizes the key provisions of the advisory and explains what DepEd employees need to know about the implementation of the FY 2025 SRI.

Key Provisions

1. Amount of SRI

• DepEd shall grant PHP 20,000.00 per eligible employee, subject to compliance with governing conditions.

2. Initial Fund Release

• DepEd Central Office will release funds to Regional Offices via Sub-Allotment Release Order (Sub-ARO):

  • PHP 14,500.00 per eligible employee initially

• The remaining balance will be released upon:

  • Approval of the request for modification of allotments by the DBM, in accordance with AO No. 40

3. Payment Guidelines by Operating Unit

• With available cash allocation:

  • May begin payment of PHP 14,500.00 only

• Without cash allocation but with MDS Sub-Accounts (Land Bank):

  • Central Office will transfer PHP 10,000.00 per eligible employee via Notice of Transfer of Allocation (NTA)

• With MDS Sub-Accounts in other Government Servicing Banks:

  • Units must coordinate with DBM Regional Offices for issuance of Notices of Cash Allocation (NCA)

4. Mode of Payment

• SRI shall be credited directly to employees’ ATM payroll accounts.

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Completion of Full SRI Amount

• Upon DBM approval and issuance of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO):

  • DepEd Central Office will download the remaining amount needed to complete the PHP 20,000.00 SRI per employee

• Allotments must be obligated within the validity of the Personnel Services (PS) appropriations, up to December 31, 2025

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Financial Compliance Reminder

• Any SRI amount not paid within the validity period:

• Shall be treated as due and demandable Accounts Payable (AP)

• Must comply with existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules