DepEd to review observation policy after Muntinlupa teacher’s death

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January 10, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday vowed to review its classroom observation policy following the death of a public high school teacher who collapsed during an evaluation in Muntinlupa.

“The Department of Education extends its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and learners of Teacher Agnes Buenaflor of Pedro E. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City. We mourn the loss of a dedicated educator and stand in solidarity with the school community during this difficult time,” DepEd said in a statement.

Buenaflor died on Jan. 7 after collapsing while conducting a class under observation.

“Classroom observation is meant to support teacher growth and shared learning and should be conducted in a supportive, respectful manner that reflects day-to-day teaching, not as a source of undue pressure,” the department added.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers earlier called on DepEd to review its classroom observation policy, citing concerns over its role in the teacher performance rating system.

DepEd vowed to coordinate with the school and Buenaflor’s family through the Schools Division Office to provide immediate assistance, including psychosocial support for affected learners and personnel.

“We honor the service of Teacher Agnes and express our gratitude to her, and to all our hardworking teachers who give so much of themselves every day. The department remains committed to compassion, transparency and doing everything we can to support the welfare of our teachers and learners,” DepEd said.

According to school and police accounts, Buenaflor was conducting her class at around 1 p.m. in front of the school principal and a master teacher when she complained of a headache about an hour into the observation and collapsed.

She was given first aid and rushed to a hospital but was later declared dead.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of death.