Catanduanes teachers hail SRI increase

LEGAZPI CITY --- Public school teachers in Catanduanes thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his recent order to increase their Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) from PHP18,000 to PHP20,000.

In an interview, teachers from Pangilao Elementary School in San Miguel town described the announcement as a wonderful gift, especially for those severely affected by the typhoons that recently hit the province.

“The increase is a significant help for us, particularly since we were greatly affected by the recent typhoons. It will not only benefit us but also our students; we plan to share some assistance with them as well. We thank our President for this good news. We are very committed to improving our services for the learners and the community as we work towards a better Philippines,” one of the teachers said.

Some educators interviewed by the Philippine News Agency, including four teachers and a school head managing 56 students from Grades 1 to 6, said they intend to use the SRI for the repair of their homes damaged by the typhoons and for their family’s Noche Buena.

Jean Tenoria from Cabugao Integrated School in Bato town said the President’s announcement came at a time when she was in need of money for the medical treatment of her son.

“I am truly grateful for PBBM’s (President Bongbong Marcos) order. The increase will greatly assist us in dealing with the financial challenges we are facing for my son’s medical needs. I am extremely thankful and optimistic, and I know my fellow teachers share in this joy as well. I just hope the release of the funds occurs as soon as possible,” she said.

Arlene Triunfo, a teacher for over 30 years, said the SRI is an essential resource for teachers, especially for those whose homes were damaged by bad weather.

“This support helps them rebuild and improve their situations day by day. For those who haven’t experienced damage, the SRI can also provide allowances for teachers with children still in school,” she added.

Garry Posada of Catanduanes National High School in Virac town said the higher SRI will help them manage their expenses as they continue to cope with the impacts of the weather disturbances.

He also urged the President to consider not only raising the bonuses of teachers but also their basic salaries.

Department of Education-Bicol (DepEd-5) Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad expressed happiness over the President’s directive to provide a higher SRI for public school teachers.

“We are very happy because for the first time, we will receive the maximum amount of PHP20,000 for the SRI. Our teachers, who have been affected by the floods caused by the typhoons, need this support. Thank you, President Marcos. We hope to continue receiving beneficial support like this,” he said. (PNA)