DepEd to reduce teachers’ paperwork by 57%

March 18, 2025 | 12:00am

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to significantly reduce teachers’ paperwork, cutting it by more than half to lighten their administrative workload and allow them to focus more on student learning.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced a new DepEd policy that will discard approximately 57 percent of the 174 school forms previously required from teachers.

“Teachers have long raised concerns about excessive paperwork, and this policy directly responds to that. Reducing their bureaucratic workload will not only improve their well-being but also enhance the quality of instruction they provide to our learners,” Angara said.

Under DepEd Order 005, Series of 2024, public school teachers will only be required to regularly complete five forms. However, depending on their assigned roles, they may still need to accomplish 31 forms for additional tasks and 39 for teaching-related duties.

To ensure proper implementation, DepEd will release a formal department order and conduct a nationwide orientation for schools.

A study by IDInsight found that 42 percent of teachers work more than 50 hours per week, spending an average of 17.8 hours on ancillary duties and 8.1 hours on program-related tasks.

“Much of this time is spent on filling out school forms and reports, significantly reducing the time available for lesson planning, student engagement and instructional activities,” the study read.

Angara added that DepEd would develop a data management framework to streamline data collection in schools, aiming to eliminate redundant and outdated documentation while ensuring the accurate recording of essential school management information.

Further, he said the agency plans to launch advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about these reforms and engage education stakeholders in efforts to improve teachers’ working conditions.