Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday confirmed that over 1 million public school teachers and non-teaching personnel nationwide will begin receiving their mid-year bonus Friday, May 15.

The timely disbursement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to prioritize the welfare of the country’s education workforce.

The financial incentive covers approximately 900,000 public school teachers and more than 100,000 non-teaching staff, providing crucial support ahead of the opening of School Year 2026–2027.

Angara emphasized that the prompt release of the bonus reflects the administration’s recognition of the critical role educators and administrative personnel play in national development and learning recovery efforts.

“Batay sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, kinikilala natin ang sakripisyo at dedikasyon ng ating mga guro at kawani (Based on the directive of President Bongbong Marcos, we recognize the sacrifice and dedication of our teachers and staff),” Angara said in a statement.

“Ang maagang pagpapalabas ng Mid-Year Bonus ay bahagi ng ating pangako na unahin ang kapakanan ng mga direktang humuhubog sa kinabukasan ng ating mga mag-aaral (The early release of the Mid-Year Bonus is part of our promise to prioritize the welfare of those directly shaping our students’ future),” he added.

Angara added that supporting the education workforce is essential as the agency prepares for the upcoming school year, particularly in driving literacy, numeracy and digital learning initiatives.

“Kapag masigla at suportado ang ating mga guro at kawani, mas nagiging handa rin ang ating mga paaralan para sa pagkatuto ng bawat batang Pilipino (When our teachers and staff are vibrant and supported, our schools also become more prepared for the learning of every Filipino child),” he said.

Under Department of Budget and Management Budget Circular 2017-2, the midyear bonus is equivalent to one-month basic salary.

The benefit is granted to qualified personnel holding regular, casual and contractual positions.

To qualify, employees must have rendered an aggregate of at least four months of service from July 1 of the previous year to May 15 of the current year, remain in active service as of May 15, and have obtained at least a “Satisfactory” performance rating during the latest evaluation period. (PNA)