The Department of Education (DepEd) officially reshaped its recruitment and promotion system with DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023, issued on March 2, 2023. This policy consolidates and replaces decades of fragmented hiring guidelines, setting a clear, competency-based, and merit-driven framework for selecting the best educators and personnel nationwide.
For teachers, school heads, non-teaching staff, and aspiring DepEd employees, understanding this order is essential. It defines how careers in public education now move forward—fairly, transparently, and with accountability.
What Is DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023?
DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023 provides the Guidelines on Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment for all DepEd positions across:
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Central Office (CO)
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Regional Offices (ROs)
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Schools Division Offices (SDOs)
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Public schools nationwide
It covers First and Second Level positions, including executive and managerial roles, ensuring that the right people are placed in the right positions at the right time.
Core Principles Behind the New Guidelines
This order reinforces DepEd’s Merit Selection Plan and is anchored on the following principles:
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Merit and Fitness – Selection based on competence and qualifications
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Equal Opportunity – Fair access to all qualified applicants
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Transparency – Clear criteria and point systems
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Accountability – Documented, standardized processes
These principles align DepEd’s human resource system with the demands of 21st-century education, focusing on quality, accessibility, and relevance.
Positions Covered Under the Order
DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023 applies to recruitment, promotion, and appointment for:
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Teacher I positions (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
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School Administration (SA) positions
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Related-Teaching (RT) positions
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Non-Teaching (NT) positions
Each category follows a specific criteria and point system, ensuring consistency nationwide.
Key Enclosures and Point Systems Explained
The Order includes several important enclosures that guide hiring and promotion:
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Enclosure 1: General Guidelines on Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment
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Enclosure 2: Criteria and Point System for Teacher I (K–12)
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Enclosure 3: Criteria and Point System for School Administration Positions
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Enclosure 4: Criteria and Point System for Related-Teaching Positions
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Enclosure 5: Criteria and Point System for Non-Teaching Positions
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Annexes A–P: Supporting forms and procedural documents
These standardized tools reduce confusion and promote fairness across all DepEd offices.
DepEd Orders Repealed and Unified
One of the most significant impacts of DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023 is the repeal and consolidation of previous hiring policies issued from 2002 to 2017. This includes orders governing:
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Public school teacher hiring
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School head promotion and designation
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Senior High School and ALS teacher recruitment
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Non-teaching and related-teaching appointments
By rescinding inconsistent issuances, DepEd eliminated overlapping rules and created one authoritative reference for recruitment and promotion.
Why This Policy Is a Game-Changer
This order brings several long-term benefits:
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Consistency nationwide – Same standards across regions and divisions
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Reduced disputes – Clear scoring and criteria minimize complaints
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Improved talent placement – Competency-based evaluation strengthens schools
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Stronger public trust – Transparent processes enhance credibility
For applicants, it means knowing exactly how you are evaluated and why.
Implementation and Effectivity
DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023 took effect 15 calendar days after publication on the DepEd website. Certified copies are registered with the UP Law Center–Office of the National Administrative Register (UP LC-ONAR), ensuring legal validity and enforceability.
All DepEd offices are directed to strictly comply with the guidelines.
DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023 marks a major milestone in professionalizing human resource management in Philippine public education. By unifying decades of policies into one transparent and merit-based system, DepEd strengthens its mission to deliver quality, accessible, and liberating basic education for all.
Whether you are an aspiring teacher, a school leader, or an HR practitioner, this order is now the foundation of every DepEd career pathway.