The Department of Education (DepEd) has created a National Technical Working Group (NTWG) to develop a strategic roadmap for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, or Republic Act No. 4670.
The development was announced through DepEd Memorandum No. 057, s. 2026, dated September 21, 2026, titled “Creation of a National Technical Working Group (NTWG) for the Development of Roadmap for the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670).” The memorandum is among the latest DepEd issuances listed by the department's field offices as of September 22, 2026.
The initiative places teacher welfare, rights, benefits, working conditions, and the implementation of existing protections under renewed review.
Why DepEd Created the National Technical Working Group
According to the memorandum, DepEd is undertaking a comprehensive review of relevant provisions of RA 4670, the law that provides various protections and benefits for public school teachers.
The review is being undertaken by DepEd through the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD). It is anchored on the Quality Basic Education Development Plan 2025–2035 and the Department's Five-Point Reform Agenda, both of which include teacher quality and welfare among the areas of reform.
The objective is to establish a strategic roadmap that can guide the monitoring and evaluation of how RA 4670 is being implemented.
DepEd said the review is intended to support actionable improvements that can benefit educators while remaining aligned with broader national education reforms.
The creation of the NTWG also recognizes that teacher-related policies affect different offices, organizations, and stakeholders. As a result, the group is designed to bring together representatives from DepEd and teacher organizations.
Teacher Organizations Included in the Technical Working Group
One notable feature of the new NTWG is the participation of teacher organizations and other stakeholders.
The memorandum states that the group's work will follow the principles of shared ownership and co-creation, with policies developed through meaningful representation from both DepEd and teachers' organizations.
The process is expected to be guided by transparency, mutual respect, clearly defined responsibilities, and recognition of the mandates of participating organizations.
The memorandum also states that recommendations should be teacher-centered, evidence-based, research-informed, legally reviewed, and grounded in the lived experiences of educators.
Among the organizations and groups represented in the NTWG are:
- E-Net Philippines
- Alliance of Concerned Teachers
- Association of DepEd Directors Inc.
- Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers
- National Alliance of Teachers and Office Workers
- Teachers Dignity Coalition
- TEACHERS Inc.
Representatives from various DepEd offices, attached agencies, the Teacher Education Council Secretariat, and other relevant units will also participate.
The NTWG is chaired by Undersecretary Wilfredo E. Cabral, Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development and Infrastructure. The memorandum also identifies Ms. Flora C. Arellano, President of E-Net Philippines, as Co-Chairperson.
What the Magna Carta Roadmap Will Cover
The NTWG has been assigned several functions covering the legal, financial, administrative, and operational aspects of RA 4670.
One of its primary responsibilities is to conduct a comprehensive review of RA 4670 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, together with relevant DepEd policies, programs, projects, and activities connected to the law.
The group will also determine statutory funding requirements under the Magna Carta by mapping provisions concerning teacher allowances, welfare programs, and compensation benefits.
This could provide a clearer picture of the resources required to implement the law and identify areas where additional action, funding, or policy adjustments may be needed.
Review of Teacher Benefits, Welfare, and Funding Requirements
Another important function of the NTWG is to review and identify necessary actions, budgetary requirements, and resource allocations related to the implementation of RA 4670.
This includes examining how teacher-related benefits and welfare provisions are currently implemented and determining what improvements may be needed.
The memorandum specifically directs the group to gather and evaluate stakeholder feedback, data, research, and empirical studies.
This means that the roadmap is not intended to rely solely on administrative records. The experiences and concerns of teachers and other stakeholders are also expected to contribute to the review.
For public school teachers, this may make the roadmap particularly significant because RA 4670 covers various aspects of their professional and employment conditions.
Existing DepEd policies already refer to RA 4670 in areas such as teachers' workload. For example, DepEd's workload policy recognizes the six-hour actual classroom teaching provision under the Magna Carta and provides rules for teaching overload in applicable circumstances.
Possible Legislative Proposals to Amend RA 4670
The NTWG's work could also contribute to future legislative proposals.
According to the memorandum, the group's collaboration will serve as a primary substantive input to DepEd legislative proposals, including recommendations for potentially amending certain provisions of RA 4670.
The purpose is to consider whether provisions written decades ago continue to adequately address the evolving needs of the teaching profession.
Importantly, the memorandum describes the process as one based on constructive and consensus-based dialogue.
Any potential legislative changes would therefore require further policy development and the appropriate legislative process. The creation of the NTWG itself does not mean that specific amendments to RA 4670 have already been enacted.
NTWG Will Consult Teachers and Other Stakeholders
The group will attend meetings and consultations with concerned government agencies, institutions, organizations, teacher associations, and other stakeholders.
It will also establish mechanisms for accurate data collection and information sharing among participating members.
Another responsibility is to monitor and evaluate DepEd's commitment and performance in implementing RA 4670.
The NTWG may also create subcommittees when necessary to carry out its responsibilities more effectively.
These functions indicate that the roadmap is expected to involve both policy review and practical assessment of how existing teacher protections are being implemented.
Who Will Serve as the Secretariat?
The BHROD-Employee Welfare Division (BHROD-EWD) will serve as the lead project proponent and secretariat of the NTWG.
The secretariat will support the technical working group's coordination, documentation, consultations, data gathering, and other activities necessary for completing the project.
The memorandum also provides that expenses incurred by the NTWG will be charged against the 2026 budget of BHROD-EWD, subject to existing accounting, auditing, and budgeting rules and regulations.
What This Means for Public School Teachers
For teachers, the creation of the NTWG represents a formal DepEd process for reviewing the implementation of the Magna Carta and identifying areas that may require improvement.
However, the memorandum does not immediately grant new benefits, change existing compensation rates, or amend RA 4670.
Instead, it establishes the technical working group that will conduct the review, gather evidence and stakeholder input, evaluate implementation, and develop recommendations.
The eventual impact on teachers will depend on the findings of the review and on subsequent administrative, budgetary, or legislative actions that may arise from the roadmap.
The broader policy environment already includes continuing efforts to address teacher workload, compensation, career progression, and professional welfare. For example, the DepEd-DBM framework on teacher and school head career progression recognizes RA 4670 as part of the policy context for public school teachers.
When Will DepEd Memorandum No. 057, s. 2026 Take Effect?
DepEd Memorandum No. 057, s. 2026 states that the memorandum takes effect immediately.
It will remain in force until the completion of the project, with the stated purpose of ensuring continuity in the Department's public service.
For additional information, the memorandum directs concerned individuals to contact the BHROD-Employee Welfare Division of the Department of Education Central Office at the DepEd Complex in Pasig City.
The contact information provided in the memorandum is bhrod.ewd@deped.gov.ph and telephone number (02) 8633-7229.
What to Watch Next
The next developments will likely involve the NTWG's review of RA 4670, consultations with teacher organizations and other stakeholders, assessment of current implementation, identification of funding and resource requirements, and preparation of recommendations.
Teachers and education stakeholders may therefore want to monitor official DepEd announcements and succeeding issuances related to the roadmap.
For now, the key point is clear: DepEd has formally created a National Technical Working Group to review the implementation of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers and develop a roadmap that can guide future improvements and possible legislative proposals.
As of September 22, 2026, DepEd Memorandum No. 057, s. 2026 is the latest issuance establishing this NTWG for the development of the RA 4670 roadmap.
This article is for informational purposes and summarizes the provisions of DepEd Memorandum No. 057, s. 2026. It does not itself create or change any teacher benefit, compensation entitlement, or statutory right.