The Department of Education National Employees Union (DepEd NEU), the largest union of education employees in the country, has secured a significant increase in collective negotiation agreement incentives.

This year, under Education Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd NEU members received P10,000 and P8,000 for non-members.

In 2014, qualified non-teaching employees received P5,830 in CNA (collective negotiation agreement) incentives, P17,419.46 in 2015 and P3,500 in 2014.

DepEd did not qualify for the grant of Productivity Performance Bonus in 2017 to 2019 during the term of former President Benigno Aquino.

DepEd NEU president Domingo Alidon said DepEd was not qualified to grant PBB during those two years, thus they were not given CNA incentives.

The union negotiated for a new CNA with the management of DepEd for the period 2018 to 2021, he added.

In 2019, an incentive of P3,360 was given to each qualified non-teaching personnel, both members and non-members of DepEd NEU.

“This remarkable breakthrough is a testament to the collective efforts of our union and DepEd management. As DepEd NEU president, I am committed to upholding the rights and welfare of our members,” he said.

The incentive is expected to benefit non-teaching personnel across the country, acknowledging their essential roles in the education sector.

“Secretary Angara has demonstrated a deep understanding of the plight of non-teaching personnel and rank-and-file employees. His commitment to employee welfare has paved the way for this historic CNA incentive,” Alidon added.

DepEd NEU highlighted that the CNAI is a significant step towards improving the welfare of the country’s education workforce, helping them continue their vital work despite ongoing challenges.

The union said it looks forward to more collaborations with DepEd management to further support the well-being of its members.