DepEd: Shortage of teachers nationwide still at 30,000

The teacher shortage nationwide remains at approximately 30,000, despite the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approving at least 16,000 new teaching positions, an official of the Department of Education said yesterday.

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DepEd Undersecretary for human resources and organizational development Willie Cabral said in a radio interview that the 16,000 new positions are part of the 20,000 teaching posts planned for 2025.

"Based on our inventory, we have more or less a shortage of 60,000 teachers — or 56,000 teachers to be exact at that time — but we were given 22,000 in 2024 and 20,000 for 2025. We are seeing a shortage of more or less 30,000. We based that on the number of (students) who are returning to study and the teacher-student ratio," Cabral said.

DepEd continues to assess the extent of teacher shortages and is seeking additional support from the DBM, in line with directives from Education Secretary Sonny Angara and President Marcos to ensure adequate school resources.

"The 16,000 teaching items are included in the budget for 2025. It is part of the 20,000 approved by DBM so the 16,000 is only the tranche one or first batch, we still have the next 4,000 for submission to the DBM," Cabral noted.