The Department of Education has assured that each eligible employee will receive P15,000 worth of Service Recognition Allowance, much lower than the P20,000 maximum amount stated under the administrative order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a memorandum signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte on Monday and posted on Facebook by DepEd Undersecretary Anne Sevilla, the distribution of the SRI starts 20 December until 6 January next year.

Teachers' Dignity Coalition national chairperson Benjo Basas said they appreciate the gesture.

"We are still thankful that one of the employees' requests was met. Hope it will be given sooner," Basas said.

Under the memorandum, the SRI will be given in cash to employees, advising field offices to distribute it quickly and properly to all employees.

"This release of cash can be a problem because it will be difficult for staff in our division offices to do it quickly. That's why we are in solidarity with them that if possible, SRI should be passed through again through ATM," Basas explained.

The group reiterated its appeal for the government to consider giving higher wages and long-term benefits to teachers such as health services, housing programs, and postgraduate studies, and improving the services of the Government Service Insurance System.