Filipino teachers are known for their dedication—often working beyond classroom hours to coach athletes, advise student leaders, or 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 provides guidelines on the payment of overtime services for teachers. This landmark policy, rooted in the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670), finally gives clarity on how teachers will be compensated for extra work.
If you’re a public school teacher, here’s a clear breakdown of how to compute your overtime pay, who qualifies, and what this means for the future of education in the Philippines.
Why This Policy Matters
Teaching in the Philippines has always gone beyond classroom instruction. Teachers are advisers, coaches, coordinators, researchers, and community leaders. Previously, these extra tasks were often compensated only through Vacation Service Credits (VSC)—not actual pay.
With this new DepEd Order, the government is finally recognizing teachers’ extended hours as legitimate work that deserves proper monetary compensation. This is a big step toward 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
2. When Overtime Applies
Overtime is granted if:
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The work cannot be finished during regular hours.
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The task is essential, and non-completion could cause 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
Examples of tasks that qualify:
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School coordinators (ICT, SPED, literacy, research, etc.)
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Trainers and advisers (sports, student government, school paper, clubs)
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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.
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Only teachers with at least 6 teaching hours/day or 30 hours/week qualify.
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Work must be rendered inside school premises or learning centers.
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Minimum OT claim = 2 hours; less than that = VSC.
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Maximum OT = 4 hours/day on weekends and holidays.
5. Computation Formula
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Regular weekday OT = 1.25 × AHR
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Weekend/holiday OT = 1.5 × AHR
Example: Computing Overtime Pay for a DepEd Teacher
Let’s say a teacher earns ₱44,000 per month, worked 10 hours of overtime on weekdays, and 5 hours on a Saturday.
Step 1: Compute Actual Hourly Rate (AHR)
Step 2: Apply Overtime Rates
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Weekday OT rate = 1.25 × 250 = ₱312.50/hr
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Weekend OT rate = 1.5 × 250 = ₱375/hr
Step 3: Multiply by Hours Worked
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Weekday OT = 312.50 × 10 = ₱3,125
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Weekend OT = 375 × 5 = ₱1,875
✅ Total Overtime Pay = ₱3,125 + ₱1,875 = ₱5,000 (before tax deductions)
Why This Matters for Teachers
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Fair Compensation: Extra work now has proper monetary value, not just service credits.
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Improved Morale: Teachers feel valued and motivated.
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Better Outcomes: Students benefit from motivated teachers in sports, journalism, remedial classes, and extracurriculars.
Real-Life Scenarios
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Sports Training: A coach training athletes for Palarong Pambansa can now be paid for weekend practices.
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School Paper Advisers: Teachers preparing students for press conferences can receive OT pay.
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Holiday Programs: Brigada Eskwela, literacy drives, or student camps now qualify for overtime pay.
FAQs on DepEd Overtime Pay
Q1: Who qualifies for overtime pay under DepEd Order 026, s. 2025?
๐ All full-time DepEd teachers in public elementary, junior, and senior high schools, and ALS teachers with official loads.
Q2: What if there’s no budget?
๐ Teachers will receive Vacation Service Credits (VSC) instead of cash.
Q3: Can overtime be done at home?
๐ No. Work must be done within school premises or DepEd learning centers.
Q4: What’s the minimum overtime claim?
๐ At least 2 hours. Anything less will be credited as VSC.