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In a landmark move to ease the administrative workload of public school teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd), with the full backing of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is set to implement a streamlined system that significantly reduces the number of school forms and reports teachers are required to complete. This policy is a key step in the Marcos administration’s broader education reform agenda, aimed at improving learning outcomes while addressing the long-standing concerns of overworked educators.
A 57% Reduction in Paperwork: What’s Changing?
Under the new DepEd policy, the total number of forms teachers must accomplish will be reduced by approximately 57%, from the previous 174 required forms. Moving forward:
✅ 5 essential forms will be regularly completed by all teachers.
✅ 31 forms may be used for ancillary tasks assigned to teachers.
✅ 39 forms may be utilized for teaching-related assignments, depending on the agreed-upon designations of teachers, as per DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024.
This substantial reduction is expected to give teachers more time to focus on instructional activities, lesson planning, and student engagement — the core of their profession.
Addressing Teachers’ Long-Standing Concerns
For years, Filipino public school teachers have voiced concerns over excessive paperwork that eats into the time they could otherwise spend preparing lessons or engaging with their students. Studies have consistently highlighted the adverse impact of this administrative overload. An IDInsight study revealed that:
➡️ 42% of teachers work more than 50 hours per week.
➡️ Teachers dedicate an average of 17.8 hours per week to ancillary duties.
➡️ Another 8.1 hours per week is spent on program-related tasks.
Much of this time is consumed by filling out numerous school forms and reports, reducing teachers' capacity to fully focus on enhancing student learning outcomes. Recognizing this, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that reducing the bureaucratic workload will not only improve teachers’ well-being but also positively impact the quality of education in the country.
“Teachers have long raised concerns about excessive paperwork, and this policy directly responds to that. Reducing their bureaucratic workload will not only improve their well-being but also enhance the quality of instruction they provide to our learners,” said Angara.
Data Management Framework: Streamlining with Efficiency
To ensure that the shift to fewer forms is sustainable and effective, DepEd will develop a Data Management Framework that sets standardized parameters for data collection across all public schools. This framework aims to:
📊 Eliminate redundant and outdated documentation requirements.
📊 Ensure that only essential school management information is accurately recorded.
By creating a more efficient data reporting system, DepEd intends to free up more time for teachers to focus on teaching while maintaining the integrity of school records.
Orientation and Advocacy for Smooth Implementation
To guarantee the seamless rollout of these new guidelines, DepEd is preparing to issue a formal Department Order along with conducting nationwide orientation sessions. These sessions will equip school heads and teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to transition to the new system effectively.
Additionally, DepEd will launch advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the reforms, engaging key education stakeholders such as school administrators, parents, and community leaders. These efforts aim to build collective support for improving teacher working conditions and ensuring that the reforms translate into better learning environments for Filipino students.
A Step Toward a More Teacher-Centric Education System
This initiative underscores the Marcos administration’s commitment to fostering an education system that prioritizes the well-being of teachers and the learning outcomes of students. By addressing the excessive administrative demands that have burdened teachers for years, DepEd is taking a critical step toward improving the quality of education in the Philippines.
As these reforms unfold, the hope is that Filipino teachers will finally have the time and space to focus on what they do best — inspiring and educating the nation’s future leaders.
Stay tuned as DepEd rolls out these transformative changes, paving the way for a more efficient and student-centered education system! 🎓✨
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