BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

For Teacher Mark Anthony Asis of Camarines Norte, something has quietly but powerfully shifted in his daily routine. Asis noted how the Department of Education (DepEd), under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, streamlined school forms and cut down paperwork requirements by 57% of public school teachers.

“Mas makakapag-focus ako sa pagtuturo at magagabayan ko nang maayos ang aking mga mag-aaral,” he shared. “Hindi na ako maggugugol ng maraming oras sa paggawa ng accomplishments para sa mga form na ito. Mas maraming oras ang maibibigay ko na paghahanda para sa ating pagtuturo, at mabibigyan ko ng feedback ang aking mga mag-aaral.”

Across the country, public school teachers like Teacher Asis are finally feeling what they’ve long asked for —relief from excessive administrative workload that pulled them away from focusing on classroom teaching. 

Under DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2025, from the total of 174 school forms previously required from teachers. Under this policy, only five (5) forms will be regularly completed by all teachers while they can still accomplish 31 forms for teacher ancillary tasks and 39 forms for teaching related assignments. This may vary depending on the agreed designations of teachers by virtue of their rationalized workload under DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024. 

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

“Binawasan natin ang pasanin ng mga guro. Binibigyan natin sila ng mas maraming oras, lakas, at puso para sa tunay na pagtuturo. Sa bawat gurong gumagaan ang trabaho, may batang mas natututo,” Sec. Angara added.

For Jenalyn Trance of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Iloilo City, she is already experiencing the change. 

“There is an improved collaboration among teachers,” she said. “We have more time to share best practices and participate in team teaching. We’ve also been more engaged in our professional development activities to enhance our skills and knowledge.”

From better feedback for students to more enriching teamwork among colleagues, the changes are helping transform not just how teachers teach but how they feel about teaching.

“Nagiging mas innovative at flexible kami approaches at upang mapanatili ang epektibong pagtuturo at coaching sa kabila nang mas kaunting forms na gagawin po naming mga guro,” added Teacher Catherine Fajardo Santa Maria of Camarines Sur National High School.

In place of forms and compliance checklists, time is returning to teachers’ hands—to plan, to prepare, and most importantly, to teach.

*All Photos from DepEd