Public school teachers nationwide are starting to feel relief as the Department of Education (DepEd) announced a significant 57-percent reduction in classroom paperwork, marking a major step forward for teacher welfare under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The reform was made official through DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2025, which streamlines the number of required school forms from 174 to just five, allowing educators to focus more on classroom instruction and student development. An additional 31 forms are now reserved for ancillary tasks and 39 more for teaching-related assignments, depending on a teacher’s workload classification as defined in DepEd Order No. 5, s. 2024.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara emphasized that the move signals a renewed commitment to both improving learning outcomes and promoting teacher well-being.
“We’re clearing the runway so teachers can fly. This is our declaration that meaningful learning and teacher well-being go hand in hand,” Angara said.
Teachers have welcomed the development with optimism. Mark Anthony Asis from Camarines Norte shared that he now has more time to prepare for lessons and engage with students. “I no longer spend hours just filling out forms. Now I can use that time to prepare for classes and give feedback to learners,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jenalyn Trance from Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Iloilo City noted improvements in teamwork and professional growth. “We have more time to share best practices, participate in team teaching, and join development activities that enhance our skills,” she said.
Catherine Fajardo of Santa Maria of Camarines Sur National High School echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We’ve become more flexible in our teaching strategies and can maintain effective instruction and coaching, even with fewer forms to accomplish.”
This initiative is seen as a landmark policy that not only reduces administrative burdens but also enhances the overall quality of education in the country.
