Manila: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday celebrated the new Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines on overtime pay for public school teachers, marking it as a crucial step in ensuring fair compensation for their service to the nation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the guidelines, outlined in DepEd Order No. 26, series of 2025, entitle teachers to 125 percent of their hourly rate for authorized overtime work on weekdays and 150 percent for work conducted on Saturdays, holidays, and non-working days. This policy encompasses all DepEd-employed teachers involved in full-time classroom teaching, including those in the Alternative Learning System, regardless of their appointment status.

Overtime authorization is reserved for instances deemed extremely necessary, particularly when incomplete tasks impact learner development or school operations. Romualdez highlighted that these new guidelines align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to supporting the welfare of teachers under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.

In his statement, Romualdez emphasized the significance of this policy release as the nation observes National Teachers' Month. He acknowledged that teaching is a vocation that cannot be fully repaid, but the new overtime pay policy is a substantial first step in recognizing teachers' contributions.

Romualdez expressed confidence in Secretary Sonny Angara's leadership at DepEd, expecting continued reforms to reduce the administrative burdens on teachers and enhance their welfare. He also assured that Congress would back initiatives supporting President Marcos Jr.'s efforts to strengthen and modernize the education sector.

The DepEd has been allocated PHP872.887 billion for 2026 under the proposed National Expenditure Program, aiming to address learning gaps and reinforce the teaching force through fair compensation and benefits. Romualdez stressed that investing in education and fair teacher compensation is critical for the nation's future development.