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In the digital age, effective communication is no longer just a convenience—it's a necessity. Recognizing this, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2025, marking a significant update to its policies on the provision and reimbursement of communication expenses for government education personnel. This amendment aligns the Department’s guidelines with DBM Budget Circular No. 2024-2, promoting transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility in managing official mobile communication costs.
📊 What Changed: New Monthly Communication Expense Ceilings for DepEd Personnel
The updated DepEd Order redefines the maximum allowable communication expense ceilings for various personnel based on their designation and area of assignment. This revision ensures a more equitable allocation of resources and recognizes the increasing role of mobile communication in education governance.
For instance:
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The Secretary of Education is now entitled to ₱8,000 per month, up from prior limits.
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Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries are allotted ₱5,000 monthly, while Directors III and IV receive between ₱2,500 to ₱3,000.
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School principals can now access ₱1,000, and Education Program Supervisors receive ₱500.
These updated figures reflect modern usage patterns and the growing reliance on telecommunication tools for coordination, monitoring, and delivery of educational services.
📌 Eligibility Rules and Reimbursement Mechanics 📠
The order outlines strict eligibility criteria. Only one official mobile number per personnel will be recognized for reimbursement purposes, and expense claims must align with actual workdays rendered:
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1–5 days of work: eligible for 25% reimbursement
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6–11 days: 50% reimbursement
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12–16 days: 75% reimbursement
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17+ days: 100% reimbursement
This proportional system ensures that reimbursements are performance-based, supporting only those actively fulfilling their duties.
Also noteworthy, personnel acting as Officers-in-Charge (OIC) or in temporary capacity must serve 16 days or more in the role to qualify for full expense entitlement. Temporary posts lasting 15 days or fewer do not qualify.
🛫 Special Cases: Official Travel and Project-Based Staff 🌍
Those on official foreign travel can claim communication expenses beyond the ceiling, provided actual costs are justified and documented. However, the maximum reimbursable amount remains capped at 100% of the standard ceiling.
For employees involved in projects, expenses may only be charged from either DepEd funds or project funds, not both. A pre-activity certification from the Department is required to specify the source of the communication fund allocation.
🧾 Required Documents: What You Need to File a Claim 🗃️
To ensure audit integrity and proper use of government funds, the following documents are mandatory:
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Statement of Account (SOA)/Bill
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Official Receipt or validated SOA
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Certification of actual workdays and necessity of expense
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Daily Time Record (for biometrics-subjected personnel)
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Certificate of Travel Completed (for travel-related claims)
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Pre-activity certification for project-based reimbursement
Each claim must also be supported by a complete Obligation Request and Status (ORS) and Disbursement Voucher, subject to review by the Budget and Accounting Divisions.
💡 Promoting Accountability and Fiscal Prudence 💼
This DepEd Order is a strong affirmation of the agency’s commitment to responsible fiscal management. It explicitly warns against:
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Duplicate expense claims
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Excessive or unnecessary reimbursements
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Failure to comply with budgeting and auditing regulations
The Department emphasizes that communication provisions are not individual entitlements, especially for lower-level staff. Rather, these are functional allocations for the whole office, reinforcing the idea of shared resources for shared responsibilities.
📢 What This Means for the Education Sector
By modernizing communication allowances, DepEd strengthens its capacity to implement policies, respond to emergencies, and coordinate nationwide initiatives. This directive also signals greater accountability and support for public servants who serve as the backbone of the education system, from Central Office executives to school-based personnel.
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