I love Education

Imagine trying to focus on teaching your students while juggling hundreds of meetings, reports, and projects—none of which directly involve the classroom. That’s the reality the Department of Education (DepEd) faces today, now entangled in 261 interagency bodies across government. While collaboration sounds good on paper, this growing web of duties may be stretching the agency—and its teachers—too thin. The Expanding Web of Interagency Work DepEd’s involvement in 261 interagency bodies is no small matter. Education Secretary Sonny Angara himself described it as “coordination spread thin,” during a recent hearing with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2). The department chairs at least 20 of these councils, and jointly manages 21 more with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). That’s a steep rise from just 63 interagency roles reported in EDCOM 2’s Year One Report . This expansion was m...

When I first heard about Vice Ganda’s comment on the schools in Sorsogon, I didn’t think much of it. I’ve been a teacher long enough to know that education issues can easily get lost in the noise of social media. But then, as I watched the debate unfold online — Heart Evangelista’s name trending, Bicolanos defending their schools, and fans taking sides — I realized something deeper: this wasn’t just about two celebrities. It was about how we, as a nation, talk about education , accountability , and truth . 🎭 Beyond the Drama: What Really Happened Vice Ganda, in a segment of It’s Showtime , shared an emotional story about visiting a school in Sorsogon that allegedly had “no reading materials” and “dilapidated facilities.” He said he cried upon seeing it — a sentiment that, in isolation, many could relate to. But his statement struck a nerve when he mentioned it was in Heart Evangelista’s province . Fans felt it unfairly targeted her, given that she’s not an elected official nor re...

Education in the Philippines is built on a unique partnership between two major agencies — the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) . Each plays a distinct but complementary role in guiding Filipino learners from the early years of schooling all the way to advanced university studies. While these two institutions often get mentioned together, their responsibilities differ significantly. Knowing where one ends and the other begins helps parents, students, and educators understand how the system truly works — and why it’s designed that way. What DepEd Does: Building the Foundation The Department of Education (DepEd) handles basic education , which includes kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and senior high school. Its mission is simple yet powerful — to “protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education.” DepEd ensures that learning is accessible to all, whether through ...

☕ When the Classroom Lights Go Off for a While I’ll admit it — as a teacher, there were days when my brain felt like a chalkboard that’s been erased one too many times. When I heard about DepEd’s mid-school year wellness break , my first reaction was, “Finally, someone gets it.” We’re not machines. Between checking quizzes, chasing deadlines, and surviving storms (literally and figuratively), our minds need a reset. And for once, the Department of Education seems to be saying the same thing: rest is part of the job. 🌤 Why DepEd Declared the Wellness Break The Department of Education (DepEd) officially announced that from October 27 to 30, 2025 , all public schools nationwide will observe a mid-school year wellness break for both teachers and students . According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara , the decision was made to allow recovery time after recent natural disasters and a rise in flu cases. This move also reflects President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritiz...

What does it really mean when a school is given more control over its own budget? In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has just updated its rules through DepEd Order No. 033, s. 2025 , and it’s a big deal. This order lays out how schools can be converted from non-implementing units (non-IUs) to implementing units (IUs) — in other words, schools that can finally manage their own funds. This might sound technical, but it’s actually about giving schools more independence, flexibility, and accountability. Let’s break it down. What Is an Implementing Unit? In DepEd’s language, an implementing unit (IU) is a school that has fiscal autonomy. That means it can directly receive and manage its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds. A non-implementing unit (non-IU) , on the other hand, relies on its division office to handle the money. This often slows down decision-making and limits how quickly schools can respond to their own needs. By converting more scho...

Every great nation stands on the shoulders of its teachers. And in the Philippines, that truth was at the heart of this year’s National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers’ Day celebration — where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Education (DepEd) unveiled new programs to support the country’s educators. From higher allowances to lighter workloads, these initiatives aim to honor teachers not just with words, but with real action. Strengthening the Backbone of Education Teachers are more than just instructors — they are the heartbeat of every community. During the National Teachers’ Day Culminating Program , President Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the nation’s educators, calling them “the guiding hands” behind the country’s progress. Alongside Education Secretary Sonny Angara and other education leaders, the president underscored how teachers play a pivotal role in nation-building. The celebration wasn’t just ceremonial; it was packed with policy updates and reforms ...

Every one of us remembers that one teacher who changed our life — the one who made us believe we could do more than we thought possible. This October, the Philippines did something special for all those changemakers. The country’s National Teachers’ Day 2025 celebration wasn’t just a ceremony — it was a heartfelt “thank you” to the people who shape the nation, one classroom at a time. Honoring the Heart of Education On October 6, 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) gathered around 12,500 teachers from across Luzon for a grand celebration at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The event marked the highlight of this year’s World Teachers’ Day , National Teachers’ Month , and National Teachers’ Day festivities — all united under the theme “Together 4 Teachers.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the tribute, expressing gratitude to teachers who go beyond lesson plans and grading papers. “Teachers shape minds, touch hearts, and build...

Have you ever tried learning in a room that didn’t quite feel like a classroom—maybe a tent, a hallway, or under a tree? That’s the reality for thousands of Filipino students today. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has now ordered government agencies to speed up classroom construction across the country, aiming to fix this long-standing problem before 2028. A Massive Challenge for Philippine Education Building classrooms might sound simple—but the numbers paint a staggering picture. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippines is short about 165,000 classrooms . To close that gap, the country would need to build around 55,000 new classrooms each year until 2028. That’s not just about walls and roofs. It’s about giving millions of students a real place to learn—away from crowded rooms, makeshift spaces, and shared facilities. For context: Some public schools hold up to three class shifts per day to make space for everyone. A few even hold classes in covere...

Imagine waking up to the ground shaking beneath you—and then realizing your school might not reopen for weeks. That’s the reality for thousands of students in Cebu after a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake rocked the region. The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that the class resumption in Cebu could take up to a month. The Earthquake That Shook the School System On October 3, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Central Visayas, with Bogo City bearing the brunt of the damage. While the tremors lasted only seconds, their impact on infrastructure—especially schools—was devastating. Bogo City alone reported 38 schools with significant damage. Regions 5, 6, and 7 collectively recorded over 5,587 classrooms with major structural issues. Aftershocks have made it difficult for engineers to assess the full extent of the destruction. DepEd Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm Garma emphasized that the timeline for reopening schools hinges on the speed of reconstruction. “The e...

Ever wondered how schools can truly become welcoming for every child, no matter their ability? That’s exactly what the new DepEd guidelines on Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) aim to do. This is a huge step toward making education accessible, fair, and empowering for learners with disabilities across the Philippines. What Are Inclusive Learning Resource Centers? Inclusive Learning Resource Centers, or ILRCs, are specialized facilities designed to support learners with disabilities while also assisting educators. They’re not just buildings—they’re hubs of services, resources, and training. Here’s what they do: Provide assistive technologies like screen readers, hearing aids, or adapted keyboards. Offer specialized materials such as Braille books or visual learning tools. Support teachers with training on inclusive teaching strategies. Serve as safe spaces for collaboration among educators, families, and communities. Under the law (Republic Act No. 11650), ...