Academic recovery programs are vital in helping learners overcome educational challenges, especially in core subjects like Reading, Science, and Mathematics. The Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines recently updated its guidelines on the engagement and compensation of Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Tutors and Support Aides through DepEd Memorandum No. 061, s. 2026. A key highlight of this update is the detailed remuneration and incentives framework, designed to fairly compensate and formally recognize these essential education workers. This post breaks down the latest pay structure and benefits, including how to download the official Certificate of Engagement template.
Why Fair Remuneration Matters in Academic Recovery Programs
Tutors and support aides are the backbone of academic recovery initiatives, providing personalized support to learners who need it most. Fair and transparent compensation motivates these educators, ensuring the sustainability and quality of tutoring services. The 2026 DepEd amendments clarify and enhance the remuneration framework, aligning it with government policies and labor standards.
Remuneration for DepEd Teaching Personnel Serving as ARAL Tutors
Teaching Overload Pay for Regular School Days
DepEd teaching personnel who serve as ARAL tutors receive additional compensation called Teaching Overload Pay for services rendered beyond their regular teaching load during school days. Key details include:
- Tutors must have completed the prescribed six (6) hours of actual classroom teaching.
- Compensation is granted for up to two (2) hours of overload teaching per day.
- The pay rate is based on the Prime Hourly Teaching Rate (PHTR), consistent with the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670).
- This pay follows applicable DepEd and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) rules.
This ensures teachers are fairly paid for extra tutoring duties without exceeding workload limits.
Vacation Service Credits (VSC) for Weekend, Holiday, and Vacation Tutoring
Tutors conducting ARAL sessions during weekends, holidays, and long vacation periods, including summer, earn Vacation Service Credits (VSC). Highlights include:
- VSCs are granted under DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2024, titled “Revised Guidelines on the Grant of Vacation Service Credits for Teachers.”
- VSCs earned through ARAL sessions do not count within the 30 or 45-day annual limitation for allowable VSCs.
- The memorandum provides a computation table where 8 hours of tutoring equals 1.5 VSC.
This incentive recognizes tutors’ dedication during off-duty periods.
Remuneration for External (Non-DepEd) Tutors
External tutors engaged by schools receive pay based on the Prime Hourly Teaching Rate (PHTR) for a Teacher I position, calculated as follows:
- The annual salary of a Teacher I position is divided by 1,600 hours (40 hours/week × 40 weeks).
- This base rate is multiplied by 1.25 (125%) to account for services beyond six hours of teaching per day, capped at two hours.
- For Fiscal Year 2026, the PHTR is approximately PHP 297.14 per hour.
- Final pay is based on actual tutoring hours rendered.
This formula ensures fair and consistent compensation aligned with government salary standards.
Certificate of Engagement: Formal Recognition of Service (Download Template Included)
Both ARAL tutors and support aides receive a Certificate of Engagement indicating:
- The period of engagement.
- Performance rating.
- Actual number of hours or days rendered.
This certificate serves as official documentation of their service, which can support career advancement, hiring, or promotion, in line with Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules and DepEd’s Merit Selection and Promotion (MSP) and Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment (RSA) guidelines.
Download the Prescribed Certificate Template Here
The certificate is prepared by the Schools Division Offices and must be signed and certified by the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS). You can access and download the official template of the Certificate of Engagement through this link:
https://tinyurl.com/ARALCertificateOfEngagement
The SDS ensures the accuracy and veracity of the certificates issued to tutors and support aides.
Why These Remuneration Guidelines Are Important
The updated remuneration and incentive framework reflects a commitment to valuing the contributions of ARAL tutors and support aides. For educators, this means:
- Clear understanding of pay entitlements.
- Recognition of extra effort during overload and off-duty periods.
- Formal documentation of service supporting professional growth.
For learners and communities, this translates to:
- Motivated tutors who are fairly compensated.
- Sustained quality of academic recovery programs.
- Improved learner outcomes through consistent tutoring support.
Supporting Those Who Support Learners
The 2026 DepEd memorandum’s focus on remuneration and incentives highlights the essential role of tutors and support aides in academic recovery. Fair pay and formal recognition foster a supportive environment that benefits educators and learners alike. These measures provide a model for valuing and sustaining educational support roles globally.