DepEd cuts paperwork by 57%, boosts focus on teaching

In a bold step to improve educational outcomes in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, June 3, announced that the paperwork required of public school teachers will be reduced by 57 percent through a sweeping policy reform.

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

"This move is a declaration that meaningful learning and teacher well-being go hand in hand," said Education Secretary Sonny Angara in a statement. "We're clearing the runway so teachers can fly."

The agency issued DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2025, a landmark reform under the administration of President Marcos.

Under the new policy, the number of required forms has been reduced from 174 to just five regularly accomplished documents.

An additional 70 forms are now considered optional and limited to specific ancillary or teaching-related roles, as defined under DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024.

Teachers welcome relief from administrative burden