Teachers in Davao Region have taken their frustration to the streets through a creative photo protest, demanding the immediate release of their long-overdue 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB). The Alliance of Concerned Teachers–Davao Region (ACT-Davao) organized the demonstration to highlight the growing financial strain on educators.
Growing Frustration Among Educators
ACT Davao Region chairperson Reynaldo S. Pardillo expressed the collective disappointment of teachers who have been waiting months for the bonus they rightfully earned. "Matagal na kaming naghihintay, pero wala pa ring aksyon mula sa gobyerno," Pardillo stated, emphasizing that the PBB represents money that teachers worked hard to deserve through their dedication and performance.
The photo protest featured educators holding placards and banners that vividly expressed their financial struggles. Participants shared stories of hardship while waiting for the bonus that could alleviate their daily financial burdens.
Government Priorities Questioned
The teacher's group highlighted what they see as misplaced government priorities, noting that billions of pesos have been allocated for confidential and intelligence funds while their earned benefits remain unpaid. This disparity has intensified calls for the government to reconsider its spending decisions.
According to the Department of Budget and Management, the Performance-Based Bonus serves as a cash incentive for public-sector employees, including teachers, granted when their agency meets specific performance criteria. For Fiscal Year 2023, DepEd personnel qualified for the highest PBB rate of 52 percent of their monthly basic salary after the department achieved the required assessment score of 80 points.
Formal Requests and Ongoing Advocacy
ACT-Davao Region has taken formal steps to address the delay, sending a letter dated October 29, 2025, to Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Reynante A. Solitario. The letter sought clarification on several critical points:
- Whether all Schools Division Offices under DepEd-Davao City have submitted eligibility lists
- The current status of validation and endorsement to DepEd Central Office or DBM
- The projected timeline for bonus distribution to eligible personnel
The Black Friday photo campaign represents just one part of their comprehensive advocacy strategy, which includes social media campaigns, community dialogues, and direct engagement with local and national officials.
Broader Calls for Salary Reform
Beyond the immediate release of the 2023 PBB, ACT-Davao Region is pushing for substantial salary increases for teachers. Pardillo highlighted the worsening economic conditions, stating, "Ang sahod namin ay hindi na kayang bumili ng basic necessities. Our salaries can no longer buy basic necessities like rice, fish, and vegetables."
The group argues that the bonus delay demonstrates the government's lack of appreciation for educators who shape the nation's future. They question how teachers can perform at their best when struggling with financial survival, noting that educators continue teaching even when hungry and worried about expenses.
ACT-Davao Region has called on the DepEd regional office, the Department of Budget and Management, and national officials to immediately address teacher concerns and prioritize the education sector. The organization emphasized they will continue their campaign until the PBB is released and their call for salary increases receives proper attention.
