DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025 Explained: New Rules on Communication Expense Reimbursement

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially released DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025, setting updated guidelines on the payment of communication expenses for its officials and employees. With digital communication now essential to governance and school operations, this Order aims to rationalize, regulate, and standardize how postpaid lines and prepaid loads are provided and reimbursed across all DepEd offices nationwide.

This blog post breaks down the key provisions of the Order in simple terms—who is covered, how much is allowed, and what employees need to know to stay compliant.

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What Is DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025?

DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025 provides the official guidelines on the payment and reimbursement of communication expenses for authorized DepEd personnel. It aligns with DBM Budget Circular No. 2024-2, ensuring prudent use of government funds while supporting efficient communication in delivering quality education.

The Order takes effect retroactively from January 1, 2025 and repeals earlier issuances, including DepEd Orders from 2019 to 2025 related to communication expenses.

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Why the New Guidelines Matter

Communication is now a core part of education management—whether coordinating with schools, responding to urgent concerns, or managing programs. According to DepEd, mobile phones, postpaid plans, and prepaid loads are no longer optional tools but operational necessities.

These guidelines ensure that:

• Communication expenses are not treated as allowances, but as reimbursable official expenses

• Usage is regulated and capped, depending on position

• Public funds are spent judiciously and transparently

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Who Is Covered by the Order?

The guidelines apply to authorized DepEd officials and employees from:

• Central Office

• Regional Offices

• Schools Division Offices

• Public elementary and secondary schools

⚠️ Important: Personnel under Contract of Service (COS) or Job Order (JO) arrangements are not eligible for communication expense reimbursement.

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Allowable Communication Expenses

DepEd may provide either postpaid lines or prepaid loads, subject to reimbursement or liquidation procedures. Each authorized position has a maximum monthly ceiling, depending on designation and office level.

Examples include:

• Secretary: up to ₱8,000/month

• Undersecretary / Assistant Secretary: up to ₱5,000/month

• Regional Director: up to ₱3,000/month

• Schools Division Superintendent: up to ₱2,500/month

• School Heads / Principals: up to ₱1,000/month

• Education Program Supervisors & District Supervisors: up to ₱800/month

For “other authorized staff,” reimbursements are subject to strict caps (generally not exceeding ₱1,500 per employee), depending on office authorization and fund availability.

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Payment Based on Actual Work Performance

Reimbursement depends on the number of days actually worked in a month:

• 1–5 days: 25% of the monthly ceiling

• 6–11 days: 50%

• 12–16 days: 75%

• 17 days or more: 100%

Only days considered “actual work performance” under DBM rules are counted.

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Special Cases to Note

• OIC or Acting Capacity: Entitled only if designation lasts 16 calendar days or more

• Foreign Travel: Actual communication expenses may be reimbursed beyond the ceiling, with proper documents

• Project Engagements: Employees cannot claim communication expenses from both DepEd funds and project funds at the same time

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Documentary Requirements and Claims Processing

To claim reimbursement, eligible personnel must:

• Register one official mobile number with their office

• Submit a self-certification that expenses were official in nature

• Provide a signed Daily Time Record (DTR), when applicable

Additional documents may be required for foreign travel, secondment, or project-related claims. All submissions are processed by the appropriate DepEd Finance Office.

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Accountability and Compliance

DepEd emphasizes prudence, transparency, and non-duplication of expenses. All transactions must comply with existing accounting, budgeting, and auditing laws. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted by DepEd finance units at all governance levels.

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Key Takeaway

DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025 ensures that communication support for educators and officials is fair, regulated, and aligned with national budget rules. For school heads, supervisors, and administrators, understanding these guidelines is essential to avoid disallowances and ensure smooth reimbursement.

Staying informed means staying compliant—and helping DepEd deliver quality education more efficiently.

DepEd’s Bayang Bumabasa: How Needs-Based Program Support Funds Aim to Close Literacy Gaps

The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to place literacy at the center of Philippine basic education through the Bayang Bumabasa Initiative. With the release of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the 2025 Needs-Based Program Support Funds (PSF), DepEd reinforces its commitment to targeted, data-driven interventions that address persistent literacy gaps—especially in schools located in low-Special Education Fund (SEF) localities.

Anchored on Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013) and Republic Act No. 7165, as amended, this policy ensures that limited public resources reach schools that need them most.

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What Is the Bayang Bumabasa Initiative?

Bayang Bumabasa is DepEd’s nationwide literacy initiative designed to strengthen early and foundational reading skills, particularly among learners in Grades 1 to 3. It also emphasizes local government unit (LGU) participation, recognizing that literacy development is a shared responsibility among schools, communities, and local leaders.

The initiative aligns with:

• UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education)

• DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda

• The MATATAG Curriculum and Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program

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Why Needs-Based Program Support Funds Matter

Results from the 2024–2025 Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) revealed that some public schools continue to show low or negative literacy growth between the beginning and end of the school year (BOSY–EOSY). The Needs-Based PSF responds directly to these findings.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the PSF ensures that schools with the greatest literacy challenges receive focused financial assistance to implement effective interventions for Fiscal Year 2026.

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Who Are Eligible for the 2025 Needs-Based PSF?

Eligible public schools are those identified by DepEd based on CRLA data showing a negative difference in literacy performance for SY 2024–2025. The official list of eligible schools is provided in Annex A of the memorandum.

Each eligible school may receive up to ₱1,000,000, charged against FY 2025 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) Funds under Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), subject to existing budget and accounting rules.

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Key Requirements for Schools

To access the PSF, school heads must submit the following through the Needs-Based PSF Online Form:

1. Literacy Improvement Plan (LIP)

   • Identified literacy gaps based on needs assessment

   • Target learners and measurable literacy goals

   • Timeline of activities for FY 2025–2026

   • Proposed interventions aligned with Bayang Bumabasa

   • Monitoring and evaluation tools

2. Funding Plan (FP)

   • Itemized budget detailing costs and required resources

Schools must also demonstrate LGU engagement, either through an existing Local Literacy Council (LLC) or certification from the LGU or Local School Board (LSB) indicating support or steps toward counterpart funding.

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Allowable Uses of the Funds

The PSF may be used strictly for literacy-related activities, including:

• Implementation of approved School Improvement Plan activities

• Learning materials, supplies, rentals, and minor repairs

• Procurement of semi-expendable items below ₱50,000

• Complementary interventions aligned with the ARAL Program

All expenditures must comply with COA, DBM, and DepEd regulations.

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How Funds Are Released and Managed

Once the LIP and FP are approved:

• DepEd Central Office releases funds to Regional Offices via Sub-Allotment Release Orders (Sub-ARO)

• Funds are downloaded to Schools Division Offices (SDOs)

• SDOs release the PSF to school heads

Funds remain valid until December 31, 2026, ensuring ample time for implementation and proper utilization.

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Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are central to the program. Schools must submit:

• Quarterly liquidation reports

• Quarterly accomplishment reports detailing physical and financial progress

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) Secretariat, together with Regional and Division Offices, conducts monitoring visits and evaluates outcomes based on CRLA results through SY 2026–2027.

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Why This Policy Matters for Philippine Education

The 2025 Needs-Based PSF under Bayang Bumabasa signals a shift toward evidence-based funding and targeted literacy support. By prioritizing struggling schools, strengthening LGU collaboration, and focusing on early grades, DepEd is laying the groundwork for long-term learning recovery and inclusive quality education.

Ultimately, improving literacy is not just about reading scores—it’s about empowering learners, families, and communities to build a more informed and resilient nation.

DepEd Mourns the Passing of Masbate Schools Division Superintendent Raymond Manangat Cantonjos

The Department of Education (DepEd) has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Schools Division Superintendent Raymond Manangat Cantonjos, CESO VI, of DepEd Masbate, who passed away on Sunday, December 21.

The tragic news has cast a pall of sorrow over the education sector, particularly within the Masbate Division, where Superintendent Cantonjos served with dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service.

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Incident Report: Superintendent Cantonjos Found Inside Vehicle

According to a local news report, the Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Masbate was found deceased inside a vehicle along the National Road in Barangay F. Magallanes, Masbate, on the afternoon of December 21.

The victim was identified as Raymundo Cantonjos, a resident of Barangay Crossing, Uson, Masbate.

Initial reports state that the body was discovered by a tricycle driver, identified as Rodrigo Barrion, 58, a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Maingaran, Masbate City. The discovery was immediately reported to the Masbate City Police Station at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. As of this writing, further details remain pending while law enforcement continues its inquiry.

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A Dedicated Public Servant and Education Leader

Superintendent Cantonjos was widely known for his visionary leadership and passion for education, leaving a lasting impact on the Masbate education community. Throughout his tenure, he championed initiatives that strengthened school governance, improved learning outcomes, and supported teachers and non-teaching personnel across the division.

Colleagues remember him as a leader who combined decisiveness with compassion—one who understood the importance of accessible, inclusive, and quality education for every Masbateño learner.

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DepEd Masbate Honors His Legacy

In a separate official statement, the DepEd Masbate Division expressed profound sadness over the loss of their beloved superintendent.

They described Superintendent Cantonjos as a leader who demonstrated unwavering dedication, excellence, and genuine concern for the welfare of educators and learners alike. His leadership style fostered unity, innovation, and a strong sense of service within the division.

His legacy, the division stated, will continue to guide their pursuit of academic excellence and community service.

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Impact on Masbateño Learners and Educators

Beyond his administrative role, Superintendent Cantonjos made a deep personal impact on those he worked with. Teachers and staff recall his openness to dialogue, support for professional growth, and consistent advocacy for learner-centered policies.

His contributions helped shape a more resilient and responsive education system in Masbate—one that will continue to benefit future generations.

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Condolences from the Education Community

DepEd extended its heartfelt prayers and sympathies to the family of Superintendent Cantonjos, as well as to the entire DepEd Masbate community, during this difficult time.

As investigations continue, the education sector pauses to remember a leader whose life was dedicated to service, integrity, and the betterment of public education.

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Remembering a Life of Service

The passing of Superintendent Raymond M. Cantonjos is a significant loss to Philippine education. While questions surrounding his death remain under investigation, his legacy as a committed public servant and education leader endures.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his life’s work continue to inspire educators and leaders to serve with excellence and compassion.

How ‘Walang Gutom 2027’ Is Transforming Social Welfare in the Philippines

As the year draws to a close, it is timely to reflect on the decisive actions taken by the Philippine government to confront one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: hunger. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., food security and social protection have been placed at the center of the national development agenda—translating policy into tangible results for millions of Filipinos.

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A Strong National Commitment to End Hunger

In 2023, President Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 44, launching ‘Walang Gutom 2027’, a flagship anti-hunger initiative led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program aims to significantly reduce food insecurity among 750,000 vulnerable households by 2027, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and human dignity.

‘Walang Gutom 2027’ goes beyond short-term food aid. It integrates nutrition support, social services, and livelihood interventions—addressing both the symptoms and root causes of hunger.

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Measurable Progress in Fighting Food Insecurity

The impact of ‘Walang Gutom 2027’ is already evident. Since its implementation, hunger indicators among beneficiary households have shown a notable decline. From 48.7%, the hunger rate dropped to 41.5% as of March 2025, reflecting meaningful progress in improving access to food.

These gains underscore the importance of targeted social protection programs, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and rising food prices. The use of food stamps and nutritional assistance has helped ensure that families can meet their daily dietary needs while preserving choice and dignity.

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Walang Gutom Kitchen: A Model of Public-Private Collaboration

One of the most visible initiatives under the program is the Walang Gutom Kitchen located along FB Harrison in Pasay City. Repurposed from a former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub, the facility now serves as a food bank and soup kitchen, providing free breakfast and lunch to around 700 individuals daily.

What makes the Walang Gutom Kitchen remarkable is its collaborative approach. Donations from fast-food chains, hotel groups, and private partners, combined with the dedication of volunteers from schools, NGOs, and private companies, demonstrate how multi-sector cooperation can effectively address hunger at the community level.

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Supporting the Homeless Through Pag-abot Processing Centers

Beyond food assistance, the Walang Gutom Kitchen also houses a Pag-abot Processing Center, offering comprehensive support to individuals experiencing street homelessness. Services include intake interviews, biometric and ID documentation, and personalized case management—critical steps toward reintegration and long-term stability.

Since 2023, the DSWD has identified nearly 15,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Metro Manila. About half have already been assisted in returning to their home provinces, accompanied by livelihood support and social services to help them rebuild their lives.

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Hunger as a Human Right Under ‘Bagong Pilipinas’

Under the broader vision of ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ the Marcos Administration affirms that freedom from hunger is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. ‘Walang Gutom 2027’ represents a long-term investment in human capital—one that seeks to restore dignity, resilience, and hope among the most vulnerable sectors of society.

By institutionalizing programs that address hunger, homelessness, and livelihood insecurity, the government is laying the groundwork for sustained social progress beyond 2027.

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Sustaining Momentum and Shared Responsibility

Ending hunger is not a one-time effort—it requires sustained political will, community engagement, and responsible governance. Building on the early successes of ‘Walang Gutom 2027,’ the government aims to strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery, and expand coverage to ensure that no Filipino is left behind.

As the nation moves forward, the progress achieved serves as a reminder that when policy, compassion, and collaboration come together, meaningful change is possible.

Unleashing Young Filipino Talent: PHSA Opens 2025 Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially released DepEd Memorandum No. 110, s. 2025, announcing the 2025 Annual Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars (ANSYAS) of the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA). This prestigious program invites artistically gifted Grade 6 learners from across the country to apply for full scholarships for School Year 2026–2027.

For families nurturing young talents in dance, music, writing, theater, or visual arts, this is a rare opportunity to access world-class arts education in a government-funded boarding school.

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What Is the PHSA Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars?

The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) is a government-run special secondary school dedicated to developing young Filipino artists. Located in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna, PHSA offers a holistic K to 12 secondary education integrated with intensive arts training.

Through ANSYAS 2025, PHSA seeks to identify children with exceptional artistic potential and mold them into artists of excellence who can represent the Philippines on local and international stages.

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Arts Fields Covered by ANSYAS 2025

Applicants may apply under any of the following disciplines:

• Dance (Ballet or Folk Dance)

• Music (Instrumental or Voice)

• Creative Writing

• Theater Arts

• Visual Arts

Each discipline is guided by master teachers and practicing artists, ensuring both technical excellence and creative growth.

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Who Can Apply? | Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2025 Annual Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must have outstanding artistic ability in any of the listed disciplines

• Must be a Grade 6 pupil during SY 2025–2026 (public or private school)

• Proficient in oral and written English and Filipino

• In good physical and mental health

• Willing to study in a boarding school environment

These requirements ensure that scholars are academically prepared, artistically capable, and ready for PHSA’s immersive learning setup.

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Scholarship Benefits: What Successful Applicants Receive

Students who pass the rigorous screening, testing, and auditions will be awarded a full PHSA scholarship, which includes:

• Free tuition fees

• Board and lodging at the PHSA campus

• Monthly stipend

• Individualized arts instruction with master teachers

• Opportunities to represent the Philippines in:

  • International competitions

  • Arts festivals

  • Cultural exchange programs

The scholarship is renewable every year, subject to satisfactory academic and non-academic performance.

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Application Process and Submission Details

Interested applicants must submit their accomplished PHSA Scholarship Application Form along with other required documents.

Submission options:

📬 By mail:
ANSYAS Committee
Philippine High School for the Arts
Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna 4031

📧 By email:
phsa.ansyas@gmail.com

Applicants are advised to prepare early and ensure all requirements are complete before submission.

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Regional Testing and Audition Centers (RTACs)

PHSA will conduct Regional Testing and Auditions for applicants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The exact schedules and locations will be officially announced through:

• PHSA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/phsa.edu/

• PHSA Website: www.phsa.edu.ph

📌 Important Reminder:
No fees shall be collected at any stage of the ANSYAS process—including registration, testing, and auditions.

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Official Contact for Inquiries

For questions and clarifications, you may contact:

Mr. Jeffrey C. Walet
Project Development Assistant, ANSYAS Office
📧 Email: phsa.ansyas@gmail.com
📱 Mobile: 0917-866-3097

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Why ANSYAS 2025 Matters

The 2025 Annual Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars is more than a scholarship—it is a national investment in Filipino creativity and cultural excellence. Through PHSA, young artists are given the platform, training, and support to hone their craft while receiving quality secondary education.

If your child shows exceptional talent in the arts, ANSYAS 2025 could be the doorway to a future shaped by passion, discipline, and artistic excellence.

Download SALN Form 2025 Editable Format: Complete Philippine Government Employee Guide

The Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) emerges as a powerful narrative of integrity in Philippine public service. Far beyond a mere administrative document, it represents a profound commitment to ethical governance and public accountability.

The Philosophical Underpinnings of Transparency

At its core, the SALN is a revolutionary concept of governmental openness. Rooted deeply in the Philippine constitutional framework, this document transcends bureaucratic formality to become a living testament to the principles of public trust and ethical leadership.

The philosophical journey of the SALN reflects a fundamental belief in the right of citizens to understand the financial landscape of their public servants. It challenges the traditional notion of governmental opacity, replacing it with a culture of radical transparency.

Legal Foundations of Accountability

Anchored in Article XI Section 17 of the Philippine Constitution and reinforced by Republic Act No. 6713, the SALN represents a comprehensive approach to financial disclosure. This is not a passive document, but an active instrument of governmental integrity.

The legal mandate extends far beyond simple record-keeping. It demands a holistic view of a public servant's financial ecosystem, capturing the intricate details of personal and familial financial status. Every government employee becomes a custodian of public trust, required to provide a crystal-clear picture of their financial world.

The Comprehensive Disclosure Ecosystem

What distinguishes the SALN is its remarkable depth of required information. Public servants must navigate a complex landscape of financial transparency, providing:

• Intricate property descriptions
• Precise asset valuations
• Comprehensive details of financial instruments
• Full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
• Transparent accounting of gifts and inheritances

Each entry becomes a brushstroke in a larger portrait of financial integrity, leaving no room for ambiguity or concealment.

A Powerful Weapon Against Corruption

The historical significance of the SALN cannot be overstated. From the high-profile trials of former President Joseph Estrada to the impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court officials, this document has repeatedly proven its power to expose financial impropriety.

In 2025, the form evolves into an even more sophisticated tool of accountability. Advanced digital mechanisms and enhanced verification processes create an unprecedented level of transparency, making it increasingly difficult for public officials to hide unexplained wealth.

Digital Transformation and Accessibility

The 2025 iteration represents a quantum leap in governmental digital transformation. Enhanced security protocols, user-friendly interfaces, and comprehensive digital verification processes transform the SALN from a static document to a dynamic instrument of public accountability.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla's recent move to lift previous access restrictions marks a pivotal moment in Philippine governance. This decision reaffirms the fundamental right of citizens to scrutinize the financial status of their public servants.

Beyond Compliance: A Cultural Shift

The SALN is more than a legal requirement—it's a cultural revolution. It challenges public servants to view their role not as a privilege, but as a sacred trust. Each line item becomes a promise of integrity, each disclosure a commitment to ethical leadership.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SALN EDITABLE WORD FORMAT

Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance

The stakes of SALN submission extend far beyond bureaucratic formalities. Public servants who fail to meet the stringent requirements risk:

• Comprehensive legal investigations
• Professional disqualification
• Potential impeachment
• Permanent damage to professional reputation

SSS Emergency Loan: A Lifeline for Filipinos During National Calamity

In an unprecedented move to support citizens during challenging times, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has introduced a groundbreaking emergency loan program through the Social Security System (SSS) that promises to be a financial lifeline for millions of Filipinos.

Understanding the Emergency Loan Program

The SSS emergency loan is a strategic response to the ongoing national calamity, offering qualified members a financial safety net with remarkably favorable terms. Here's what makes this program extraordinary:

Key Program Highlights

• Low 7% Annual Interest Rate
• 6-Month Repayment Moratorium
• Designed to Prevent Predatory Lending

Why This Matters for American Readers

While this program is specific to the Philippines, it offers valuable insights into innovative social support mechanisms. The approach demonstrates how governments can provide direct financial assistance during emergencies, a concept that resonates globally.

Detailed Program Breakdown

Loan Accessibility

Qualified SSS members can now access emergency funds with unprecedented ease. The president emphasized that the loan is specifically designed to help individuals meet urgent needs without falling into a debt trap.

Financial Protection Strategies

Marcos explicitly highlighted the program's core objective: protecting citizens from exploitative lending practices. By offering a seven-percent interest rate, the government provides a stark alternative to traditional high-interest emergency loans.

The Broader Context

The emergency loan program stems from Proclamation No. 1077, which declared a one-year state of national calamity. This declaration enables comprehensive support mechanisms beyond just financial assistance.

Implications for Emergency Financial Planning

Key takeaways for readers include:

• The importance of government-backed financial support
• Innovative approaches to managing economic challenges
• The critical role of accessible, low-interest emergency loans

Looking Forward

President Marcos committed to continuously developing safer and more transparent financial alternatives for citizens, signaling a progressive approach to social security and economic resilience.