Filipino teachers are known for their dedication—often working beyond classroom hours to coach, advise, and prepare lessons, even on weekends and holidays. But for decades, much of this work went unpaid.
That changes with the release of DepEd Order No. 026, s. 2025, which officially lays down guidelines on the payment of overtime services for teachers. This landmark policy is rooted in the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670) and finally provides clarity on how teachers will be compensated for extra work.
Here’s a breakdown of what this means for teachers, administrators, and the future of Philippine education.
Background: Why This Policy Matters
Teaching in the Philippines has always been more than just classroom instruction. Teachers are advisers, coaches, researchers, and community leaders. Yet, most of these additional tasks were compensated only through vacation service credits (VSC), not actual pay.
With this new DepEd Order, the government is recognizing teachers’ extended hours as legitimate work that deserves proper monetary compensation. This is a big step toward improving teacher welfare, morale, and retention in public schools.
Key Points of DepEd Order No. 026, s. 2025
1. Overtime Pay Rates
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125% of hourly rate on regular workdays.
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150% of hourly rate on weekends, holidays, and special non-working days.
This ensures teachers are fairly compensated when they extend their work hours.
2. When Overtime Applies
Teachers may render overtime if:
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The work cannot be finished within regular hours.
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The task is essential and its non-completion could result in financial loss, government embarrassment, or program failure.
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The activity is school-approved and tied to the School Improvement Plan (SIP) or Annual Improvement Plan (AIP).
3. Teaching-Related Assignments Covered
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School coordinators (ICT, research, literacy, SPED, etc.)
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Trainers and advisers (school paper, sports programs, student government)
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Chairmanship roles (grade level or subject areas)
4. Rules and Limitations
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Overtime must be approved by the school head before being rendered.
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Only teachers who have completed at least 6 hours of teaching per day, 30 hours per week are eligible.
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Work must be done within school premises or learning centers.
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Minimum overtime claim is 2 hours; otherwise, the teacher earns Vacation Service Credits.
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Maximum overtime allowed on weekends and holidays: 4 hours/day.
5. Computation Formula
Overtime Pay = (Actual Hourly Rate + Overtime Premium) × Total Hours Rendered
For example:
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A regular weekday overtime = 1.25 × AHR
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A weekend/holiday overtime = 1.5 × AHR
Why This Matters for Teachers and Schools
Fair Compensation
Teachers can now be paid for activities like training athletes, conducting remedial classes, or organizing school events that go beyond class hours.
Improved Morale
Knowing that their time and effort are valued encourages teachers to give their best without feeling exploited.
Better Education Outcomes
With teachers more motivated, students also benefit from quality support in extracurricular and academic activities.
Real-Life Examples
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Sports Events: A public school teacher coaching athletes for Palarong Pambansa can now be compensated for weekend practices.
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School Paper Advisers: Teachers working late for journalism training or press conferences are entitled to overtime pay.
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Holiday Programs: Activities like Brigada Eskwela or special literacy drives during weekends and holidays now qualify for extra pay.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Teacher Welfare
DepEd Order No. 026, s. 2025 is a victory for Filipino teachers. It affirms that their extra time is not “volunteer work” but professional service that deserves proper pay.
This is more than just a financial reform—it’s a statement that the Philippines values its teachers, the backbone of the nation’s education system.
As the new guidelines take effect, teachers should be proactive in understanding their rights, while school heads must ensure fair and transparent implementation.
FAQs
Q: Who qualifies for overtime pay under DepEd Order 026, s. 2025?
A: All full-time DepEd teachers in public elementary, junior, and senior high schools, and ALS teachers with official teaching loads.
Q: What if there’s no budget for overtime?
A: Teachers will still earn Vacation Service Credits (VSC) instead of cash.
Q: Can overtime be rendered at home?
A: No, overtime must be rendered within school premises or community learning centers.