DepEd Program on Awards and Incentives for

Service Excellence (PRAISE)

By Mark Anthony Llego / DepEd Order / Leave a Comment

Enclosed is the Department of Education (DepEd) – Program on Awards and Incentives for
Service Excellence (PRAISE) as approved by the Civil Service Commission in line with the
Revised Policies on Employees Suggestions and Incentive Awards System provided under
CSC Resolution No. 010112 and CSC Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2001.
WHAT IS DEPED PRAISE?
The DepEd PRAISE aims to encourage, recognize and reward employees, individually or in
groups, for their suggestions, innovative ideas, inventions, discoveries, superior
accomplishments, heroic deeds, exemplary behavior, extraordinary acts or services in the
public interest and other personal efforts contributing to efficiency, economy and
improvement in government operations which lead to organizational productivity.

All officials concerned and regional directors are hereby enjoined to constitute their
respective PRAISE committee and to implement immediately provisions of this DepEd
PRAISE which shall be the basis for the grant of awards and incentives including Productivity
Incentive Bonus.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DEPED) PROGRAM ON

AWARDS AND INCENTIVES FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE
(PRAISE)
In line with the Revised Policies on Employees Suggestions and Incentive Awards System
(ESIAS) provided under CSC Resolution No. 010112 and CSC MC No. 01, S. 2001, the
Department of Education adopts the herein Program on Awards and Incentives for Service
Excellence (PRAISE) to be referred to as DepEd PRAISE.

BASIC POLICIES
The Department of Education hereby establishes its own employee suggestions and
incentive awards system.

The System shall be designed to encourage creativity, innovativeness, efficiency, integrity

and productivity in the public service by recognizing and rewarding officials and employees,
individually or in groups, for their suggestions, inventions, superior accomplishments and
other personal efforts which contribute to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement in
government operations, or for other extraordinary acts or services in the public interest.

The PRAISE shall adhere to the principle of providing incentives and awards based on
performance, innovative ideas and exemplary behavior.

The PRAISE shall give emphasis on the timeliness of giving award or recognition. Aside from
conferment of awards during the traditional or planned awarding ceremonies, the spirit of
on-the-spot grant of recognition shall be institutionalized.

The PRAISE shall provide both monetary and non-monetary awards and incentives to
recognize, acknowledge and reward productive, creative, innovative and ethical behavior of
employees through formal and informal mode. For this purpose, the System shall encourage
the grant of nonmonetary awards. Monetary awards shall be granted only when the
suggestions, inventions, superior accomplishments and other personal efforts result in
monetary savings which shall not exceed 20% of the savings generated.

At least 5% of the FIRD Fund shall be allocated for the PRAISE and incorporated in the
DepEd’s annual Work and Financial Plan and budget.

The duly established SC-approved DepEd PRAISE shall be trie basis of the grant of the
Productivity Incentive Bonus (PIB), and other awards and incentives. An annual PRAISE
report shall be submitted to the Civil Service Commission Regional Office concerned on or
before the thirtieth day of January to enable their employees to qualify for nomination to
the CSC sponsored national awards.

OBJECTIVES
General

To encourage, recognize and reward employees, individually or in groups, for their

suggestions, innovative ideas, inventions, discoveries, superior accomplishments, heroic
deeds, exemplary behavior, extraordinary acts or services in the public interest and other
personal efforts which contribute to the efficiency, economy and improvement in
government operations, which lead to organizational productivity.

Specific

 to establish a mechanism for identifying, selecting, rewarding and providing

incentives to deserving employees at the start of each year;
 to identify outstanding accomplishments, best practices of employees on a
continuing basis;
 to recognize and reward accomplishments and innovations periodically or as the
needs arises; and
  to provide incentives and interventions to motivate employees who have contributed
ideas, suggestions, inventions, discoveries, superior accomplishments and other
personal efforts.
SCOPE
The System shall apply to all officials and employees in the career and non-career service of
this department including public and elementary school teachers and
the administrative support personnel in the central, regional and division offices and public
schools.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
AWARD – recognition which may be monetary or non-monetary conferred on ah individual
or a group of individuals for ideas, suggestions, inventions, discoveries, superior
accomplishments, exemplary behavior, heroic deeds, extraordinary acts or services in the
public interest which contribute to the efficiency, economy, improvement in government
operations which lead to organizational productivity.
CAREER – positions in the civil service characterized by (1) entrance based on merit and
fitness to be determined as far as practicable by competitive examination, or based on
highly technical qualifications; (2) opportunity for advancement to higher career positions;
and (3) security of tenure,
CONTRIBUTION – any input which can be in the form of an idea or performance.
DISCOVERY – is the uncovering of something previously existing but found or learned for
the first time which will improve public service delivery.
IDEA TYPE CONTRIBUTION – refers to an idea, a suggestion or an invention or discovery
for improvement to effect economy in operation, to increase production and improve
working conditions.
INCENTIVE – monetary or non-monetary motivation or privilege given to an official or
employee for contributions, suggestions, inventions, ideas, satisfactory accomplishment or
demonstration of exemplary behavior based on agreed performance standards and norms
of behavior.
INVENTION – the creation of something previously non-existent which will benefit the
government.
NON-CAREER – positions expressly declared by law to be in the non-career service; or
those whose entrance in the service is characterized by (1) entrance on bases other than
those of the usual tests of merit and fitness utilized for the career service; and (2) tenure
which is limited to the duration of a particular project for which purpose employment was
made.
PERFORMANCE TYPE CONTRIBUTION – refers to performance of an extraordinary act or
service in the public interest in connection with, or related to one’s official employment; or
outstanding community service or heroic acts in the public interest; or sustained work
performance for a minimum period of one year which is over and above the normal position
requirement of the individual or group.
SUGGESTION – idea or proposal which improves work performance, systems and
procedures and economy in operations that will benefit the government.
SYSTEM – the agency awards and incentives program for employees.
PRAISE COMMITTEE
The PRAISE shall be institutionalized through the creation of a PRAISE Committee in the
central and regional offices to be composed of the following:
Central Office

Secretary or his or her authorized representative (Undersecretary or Equivalent Position)

who will act as Chairperson;

Head of the Financial Unit or Equivalent; Head of Planning Office or Unit or Equivalent;

Highest ranking employee in-charge of human resource management or the career service
employee directly responsible for personnel management; and

Two (2) representatives from the accredited employees union who shall serve for a period of
two years (one from the first level and one from the second level.

Regional Office

A regional PRAISE Committee shall be constituted at the regional office to screen and
recommend eligible candidates for national awards. The Regional PRAISE Committee may
likewise grant informal awards based on the CSC-approved DepEd PRAISE.

Regional Director or his/her authorized representative;

Head of the Financial Unit or Equivalent;

Division Chief in-Charge of Training or Equivalent;

Highest Human Resource Management Officer; and

Two (2) representatives from the accredited employees union who shall serve for a period of
two years (one from the first level and one from the second level). In the absence of an
accredited union, a general election may be done as an option.

The duly constituted PRAISE Committee in the central and regional offices shall be
responsible for the development, administration, monitoring and evaluation of the awards
and incentives system of the DepEd. As such, the Committee shall meet periodically to
perform the following tasks:

 establish a system of incentives and awards to recognize and motivate employees for
their performance and conduct;
 formulate, adopt and amend internal rules, policies and procedures to govern the
conduct of its activities which shall include the guidelines in evaluating the nominees
and the mechanism for recognizing the awardees;
 determine the forms of awards and incentives to be granted;
 monitor implementation of approved suggestions and ideas through feedback and
reports;
 prepare plans, identify resources and propose budget for the system on an annual
basis;
 develop, produce, distribute a system policy manual and orient the employees on
the same;
  document best practices, innovative ideas and success stories which will serve as
promotional materials to sustain interest and enthusiasm;
 submit an annual report on the awards and incentives system to the CSC on or
before the thirtieth day of January;
 monitor and evaluate the System’s implementation every year and make essential
improvements to ensure its suitability to the agency; and
 address issues relative to awards and incentives within fifteen (15) days from the dale
of submission.
To implement the System effectively, the PRAISE Committee members are expected to
possess positive attitude; be capable of implementing submitted ideas; be open-minded
and decisive; must have high tolerance for stress or pressure; and actively participate in all
committee meetings.

The Secretary or his/her authorized representative shall be responsible in overseeing the

System’s operations and the Human Resource Management Unit shall serve as the System’s
Secretariat at the national level.

The PRAISE Committee shall ensure that productivity, innovative ideas, suggestions and
exemplary behavior can be identified, considered, managed and implemented on a
continuing basis to cover employees at all levels.

The PRAISE Committee shall establish its own internal procedures and strategies.
Membership in the Committee shall be considered part of the members* regular duties and
functions.

DepEd shall submit its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE)
and its subsequent amendments to the Civil Service Commission Regional Office. The Civil
Service Commission Regional or Field Office concerned shall provide technical assistance, if
deemed necessary, to ensure proper implementation.

Issues relative to awards and incentives shall be brought before the PRAISE Committee
which shall address the same within fifteen (15) days from the date of submission.

TYPES OF AWARDS
National Awards

The DepEd shall participate in the search for deserving employees who may be included in
the screening of candidates for awards given by other government agencies, private entities,
NGOs and other award giving bodies ‘ such as the:

Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Award – conferred on an individual for consistent,

dedicated performance exemplifying the best in any profession or occupation resulting in
the successful implementation of an idea or performance, which is of significant effect to
the public or principally affects national interest, security and patrimony.
Outstanding Public Official/Employee or Dangal Bayan Award – granted to any public
official or employee in government who has demonstrated exemplary service and conduct
on the basis of his or her observance of one or more of the eight (8) norms of behavior
described under Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for
Government Officials and Employees.
Civil Service Commission or the PAGASA Award – conferred on a group of individuals or
team who has demonstrated outstanding teamwork and cooperation, which resulted in the
successful achievement of its goal or has greatly improved public service delivery, economy
in operation, improved working conditions or otherwise benefited the government in many
other ways.
Other Awards – given by other government agencies, private institutions or NGOs to an
individual or team for contributions of an idea or performance that directly benefited the
government.
Department/Regional Level Awards

The DepEd shall develop and initiate the search for deserving employees who may be
included in the screening of candidates for awards to be given such as:

Best Employee Award – granted to an individual or individuals who excelled among peers
in a functional group, position or profession. A cash award of not less than the amount
provided under relevant existing laws shall be given to outstanding employees plus a
certificate of recognition or other forms of incentives as the committee may decide, e.g.,
Best Division Chief, Best Secretary, Best Legal Officer, Best Driver, Best Utility Worker and
other similar awards.
Gantimpala Agad Award – given outright to employees commended by clients for their
courtesy, promptness, efficiency and dedication to duty.
Exemplary Behavior Award – based on the eight norms of conduct as provided under RA
6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards). The awardee will be automatically
nominated by the DepEd PRAISE Committee to the Dangal ng Bayan Award.
Best Organizational Unit Award – granted to the top organizational unit, which may be a
section, division or office, on the basis of meeting the organization’s performance targets
and other predetermined criteria.
Cost Economy Measure Award – granted to an employee or team whose contributions
such as ideas, suggestions, inventions, discoveries or performance of functions result in
savings in terms of manhours and cost, or otherwise benefit the DepEd and government as
a whole. The monetary award shall not exceed 20% of the monetary savings generated from
the contribution.
Service Award – conferred on retirees whether under optional or compulsory retirement
schemes held during a fitting ceremony on or before the date of their retirement.
Such other awards which the DepEd may decide to give.

TYPES OF INCENTIVES
The DepEd shall continuously search, screen and reward deserving employees to motivate
them to improve the quality of their performance and instill excellence in public service. As
such the following types of incentives shall be regularly awarded:

Loyalty Incentive – granted to an employee who has served continuously and ,

satisfactorily the agency for at least ten (10) years. The recipient shall be U/ entitled to a
cash award under existing policies. Succeeding awards shall be I given every five (5) years
thereafter. In addition to the cash award, a lapel emblem/loyalty pin shall be given as
follows:
 10 and 15 years Bronze

20 and 25 years Silver

30,35 & 40 years Gold

Other tokens such as wrist watch, ring and others.

Length of Service Incentive – given to an employee who has rendered at least three (3)
years of continuous satisfactory service in the same position. The cash award shall be
incorporated in the salary adjustments following the Joint CSC-DBM Circular No. 1, s. 1990.
Productivity Incentive – given to all employees who have performed at least satisfactorily
for the year covered in accordance with the DepEd’s CSC-approved PES. This incentive shall
follow relevant existing guidelines.
Career and Self Development Incentive – granted in recognition of an individual who has
satisfactorily completed a course or degree within or outside the country at one’s own
expense. A plaque of recognition may be given to qualified individuals during the DepEd’s
anniversary celebration.
Other Incentives – which the agency’s PRAISE Committee may recommend on the basis of
special achievements, innovative approaches to assignments, exemplary service to the
public and recognition by an outside group of a particular achievement.
FORMS OF AWARDS AND INCENTIVES
Compensatory Time-Off – granted to an employee who has worked beyond his regular
office hours on a project without overtime pay.
Flexiplace – work arrangement allowed for qualified employee/s who has demonstrated
responsibility, initiative and capacity to produce output/result and accomplishment outside
of the workplace subject to established guidelines.
“Salu-salo” Together – meal hosted by superiors or supervisors for employees who have
made significant contributions.
Personal Growth Opportunities – incentives which may be in the form of attendance in
conferences on official business, membership in professional organizations, books, journals,
tapes, travel packages and other learning opportunities.
Trophies, Plaques and Certificates
Monetary Award
Travel Packages
Other Incentives – incentives in kind which may be in the form of merchandise, computers,
pagers, cellular phones, reserved parking space, recognition posted at the Wall of Fame,
feature in DepEd publications and others.
FUNDING
The DepEd Central and Regional offices shall allocate at least 5% of their respective HRD
funds for the PRAISE and incorporate the same in its annual Work and Financial Plan and
budget.

EFFECTIVITY
The DepEd PRAISE shall become effective after final evaluation by the CSC. Subsequent
amendments shall likewise be submitted to CSC for evaluation and shall take effect
immediately.
COMMITMENT
I hereby commit to implement and abide by the provisions of this DepEd PRAISE which shall
be the basis for the grant of awards and incentives including Productivity Incentive Bonus.

The annual PRAISE Report shall be submitted to the CSC Regional Office Concerned on or
before the thirtieth day of January to enable our employees to qualify for nomination to the
CSC-sponsored national awards.

ERNESTO S. PANGAN
Undersecretary, DepEd
DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2002