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.
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.
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:
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Communication expenses are not treated as allowances, but as reimbursable official expenses
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Usage is regulated and capped, depending on position
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Public funds are spent judiciously and transparently
Who Is Covered by the Order?
The guidelines apply to authorized DepEd officials and employees from:
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Central Office
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Regional Offices
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Schools Division Offices
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Public elementary and secondary schools
⚠️ Important: Personnel under Contract of Service (COS) or Job Order (JO) arrangements are not eligible for communication expense reimbursement.
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:
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Secretary: up to ₱8,000/month
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Undersecretary / Assistant Secretary: up to ₱5,000/month
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Regional Director: up to ₱3,000/month
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Schools Division Superintendent: up to ₱2,500/month
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School Heads / Principals: up to ₱1,000/month
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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.
Payment Based on Actual Work Performance
Reimbursement depends on the number of days actually worked in a month:
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1–5 days: 25% of the monthly ceiling
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6–11 days: 50%
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12–16 days: 75%
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17 days or more: 100%
Only days considered “actual work performance” under DBM rules are counted.
Special Cases to Note
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OIC or Acting Capacity: Entitled only if designation lasts 16 calendar days or more
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Foreign Travel: Actual communication expenses may be reimbursed beyond the ceiling, with proper documents
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Project Engagements: Employees cannot claim communication expenses from both DepEd funds and project funds at the same time
Documentary Requirements and Claims Processing
To claim reimbursement, eligible personnel must:
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Register one official mobile number with their office
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Submit a self-certification that expenses were official in nature
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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.
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.
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.