In an exciting development for the education sector, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has initiated the release of Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) specifically aimed at supporting the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for school-based personnel in the Department of Education (DepEd).
This announcement, effective August 14, 2024, ensures that eligible teachers and educational staff across various regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR), will soon receive the much-anticipated financial recognition for their dedication and hard work. With this update, government agencies can now easily verify their SARO status online, enhancing transparency and streamlining the process for accessing these vital funds that directly impact educational institutions and personnel.
Overview
As one of the most noble professions worldwide, teachers should be valued and appreciated for their impact on the younger generations. Teachers guide learners to ensure they are knowledgeable and well-equipped before they enter the workforce or chosen career path.
For this reason, they should not only be praised but granted enough compensation for their efforts. Fortunately, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the Department of Education (DepEd).
DBM is the chief government agency that formulates and implements the national budget by utilizing government resources and funds to complete the country’s development projects. Once DBM approves SARO for government agencies, their proposed project will receive a budget allocation to implement it efficiently. That’s why its approval for a Performance-Based Bonus will boost the morale of DepEd teachers and school-based personnel.
What is DBM SARO
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) as a specific authority granted to recognized agencies to incur obligations up to a certain amount in a prescribed period for the stated purpose. It is an official document about budgetary items For Later Release (FLR) under the Budget Execution Documents (BEDs) in compliance with required clearances or documents.
SARO also covers releases of allotments for Special Purpose Funds (SPFs), such as Calamity Funds, Contingent Funds, Feasibility Studies Funds, Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits, International Commitments Funds, and Pension and Gratuity Funds. Agencies provided with SARO should comply with certain approvals, legal frameworks, and budget allocations. Thus, SARO provides permission to specific agencies by allowing them to utilize funds for different government projects.
Objectives
- Spending Authorization – SARO authorizes specific government agencies to allocate and utilize funds for their projects. If the agency doesn’t have this document, they cannot make any spending. Hence, this document acts as a pre-approved authorization with spending limits.
- Assures Compliance – Since SARO is a requirement for expenditure, issuing this document helps DBM supervise all expenses, adhering to relevant rules, laws, regulations, and budgetary guidelines. It also promotes financial discipline and transparency and hinders unauthorized spending.
- Budget Management – This document supports the orderly release and management of funds. SARO also enables DBM to oversee and manage the flow of government resources. By doing so, DBM can ensure the funds are released in correct amounts and as needed.
Process
- Submit Project Proposal – The first step in processing SARO is for government agencies to submit a detailed project proposal to DBM. It includes detailed plans, objectives of the project, and required budget.
- Validate Documents – The documents submitted to DBM will be validated by relevant authorities, ensuring alignment with the development plans at the national and regional levels. Validating the documents assures the project’s feasibility and can contribute to the government’s extensive goals.
- Check Compliance – Agencies must ensure that their project proposals comply with the prevailing policies and regulations, such as securing required certifications and clearances from different government bodies.
- Review and Endorsement – After validating the submitted document, relevant authorities at various levels, from provincial and regional offices, will review the project proposal. Once reviewed, DBM’s central office will endorse the project for final approval.
- SARO Issuance – If successfully reviewed, DBM will issue the SARO containing the allocated amount for the project and time frame usage. Then, SARO can be accessed online for verification to guarantee transparency and accessibility for agencies requesting this document.
SARO Uses
SARO ensures public funds are efficient and transparent in various sectors, divisions, and government offices. It is applicable in different project proposals, such as:
- Funding Healthcare – One of the top uses for allocating SARO is to fund healthcare needs. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all sectors, SARO was released and allocated for healthcare workers’ Health Emergency Allowance (HEA). It covers COVID-related expenses, from sick and death benefits to supplemental allowances for lodging, meals, and transportation.
- Defense Projects – Military acquisitions and infrastructure projects are another essential expense under SARO. It guarantees the funds are allocated and used based on the approved budget if the government plans to obtain new military hardware.
- Multi-Year Projects – DBM will issue the document under the Multi-Year Contracting Authority (MYCA) if proposing large-scale projects for several fiscal years. By doing so, the requesting government agency will receive the funding in phases based on the project milestones to ensure continuous development and prevent interference.
SARO Uses
SARO ensures public funds are efficient and transparent in various sectors, divisions, and government offices. It is applicable in different project proposals, such as:
- Funding Healthcare – One of the top uses for allocating SARO is to fund healthcare needs. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all sectors, SARO was released and allocated for healthcare workers’ Health Emergency Allowance (HEA). It covers COVID-related expenses, from sick and death benefits to supplemental allowances for lodging, meals, and transportation.
- Defense Projects – Military acquisitions and infrastructure projects are another essential expense under SARO. It guarantees the funds are allocated and used based on the approved budget if the government plans to obtain new military hardware.
- Multi-Year Projects – DBM will issue the document under the Multi-Year Contracting Authority (MYCA) if proposing large-scale projects for several fiscal years. By doing so, the requesting government agency will receive the funding in phases based on the project milestones to ensure continuous development and prevent interference.
DBM SARO Online Verification and Release
Government agencies with approved project proposals can now verify the release of their SARO on the DBM website. Just click the Budget tab and select Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) under Budget Releases to view the latest SARO Listing. With the release of SARO, eligible teachers and school-based personnel can enjoy Performance-Based Bonuses intended for all educational institutions, different schools, and DepEd offices.
However, DBM will not release these allotments simultaneously since its allotment is per region. Meanwhile, government agencies no longer need to visit DBM in person to check the status of their SARO request proposals since their pending review won’t be available on the DBM website.
Video: DEPED PBB 2022 SARO RELEASES TODAY AUGUST 14, 2024
Check out the video below to learn more about DBM SARO:
As discussed in the video, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the National Capital Region (NCR) was already granted a SARO on August 14, 2024. DepEd NCR will receive an allotment for the FY 2022 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for school-based personnel. The allotment will be released as a whole and granted to all schools and eligible school-based personnel in NCR. Various institutions, such as high schools and vocational and agricultural institutions, are released with their SARO.
Division Offices in DepEd Region VIII will also receive their SARO. Although the released SARO Listing isn’t complete, it covers different divisions and schools but not the whole region. As of writing, only three (3) regions have approved SARO, and the rest may be released in the following days. Once released, eligible DepEd personnel will benefit from the PBB program.
Summary
Overall, the approval of DBM SARO for the DepEd Performance-Based Bonus program is a great move to support teachers. It will make the teachers feel that their efforts and difficulties are recognized by the government as they educate and hone the abilities of Filipino youth. Teachers are also the pillars of knowledge, mentors, educators, inspirations, and guides that will help shape the future of younger generations. Through the Performance-Based Bonus, eligible teachers will receive the compensation they deserve. Thus, DBM SARO will benefit DepEd teachers and school-based personnel.