DepEd Slashes Teachers' Paperwork by Over 50% to Enhance Focus on Student Learning

CEBU, Philippines — In a major policy shift aimed at easing the administrative burden on educators, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a significant reduction in teachers' required paperwork, cutting it by more than half. The move is expected to allow teachers to dedicate more time to instructional activities and student engagement.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed that under the newly issued DepEd Order 005, Series of 2024, the number of mandatory school forms will be drastically reduced. Of the 174 forms previously required, 57 percent will be eliminated, leaving only five forms for regular completion. However, depending on specific roles, teachers may still need to accomplish 31 forms for additional responsibilities and 39 for teaching-related duties.

“Teachers have long voiced their concerns over excessive paperwork, which has significantly impacted their ability to focus on teaching. This policy aims to address those concerns by lightening their bureaucratic load, ultimately improving their well-being and enhancing the quality of education provided to our learners,” Angara stated.

To ensure smooth implementation, DepEd will issue an official department order and conduct a nationwide orientation for schools. The department also plans to develop a data management framework to streamline information collection, eliminating redundant and outdated documentation while maintaining accurate school records.

A study conducted by IDInsight revealed that 42 percent of teachers work more than 50 hours per week, with an average of 17.8 hours spent on ancillary tasks and 8.1 hours on program-related duties. The excessive paperwork requirements have significantly cut into teachers’ time for lesson planning, classroom instruction, and student interaction.

Recognizing this challenge, Angara emphasized that DepEd will continue working on systemic reforms to optimize school operations. The agency also plans to launch advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about these changes and engage education stakeholders in efforts to further improve teachers' working conditions.

With this initiative, DepEd aims to create a more efficient and supportive work environment for educators, ensuring that their primary focus remains on nurturing and educating students.