BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Department of Education (DepEd) affirms that there is no automatic pass or “auto-pass” policy in the Philippine public school system, as it works to execute President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to address persistent literacy challenges and learning gaps across basic education.

The Department acknowledged, however, that certain practices and incentive structures may be unintentionally reinforcing such trends. Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, the Department is moving decisively to course-correct in pursuit of meaningful learning and improved literacy outcomes.

“Wala pong policy ang DepEd na automatic na pagpasa sa mga estudyante,” Secretary Angara said. “But we have to admit—some features of our system we inherited may be putting quiet pressure on schools and teachers to promote students.”

“That’s something we are determined to correct,” he emphasized.

Secretary Angara also clarified that performance-based evaluations within DepEd are guided by a broader and more holistic set of indicators, which include Performance, Process, Financial, and Citizen/Client Satisfaction Results.

“When school-level success is measured mainly by how many students move up, and when teachers feel that their own evaluations and promotions depend on that too, then we can’t be surprised if the system bends in that direction,” he said. “That’s not a flaw in the people, but a flaw in the design.”

As part of the Department’s renewed commitment to improve literacy and foundational skills, DepEd is undertaking a comprehensive review of its assessment, remedial, and promotion policies.

This effort aims to ensure that decisions on promotion of learners to the next grade level are based on actual learning, supported by clearer standards, more effective remediation programs, and fairer teacher evaluation mechanisms.

“Mass promotion isn’t a written rule—but it’s become a silent norm in some places. We want to change that,” Angara added. “Promotion should be earned through real learning. And real learning should be what our system makes possible, not just expected.”

*All Photos from DepEd