DepEd vows to champion teachers' welfare, professional development

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Recognizing teachers' critical role in the education sector's success, the Department of Education (DepEd) affirmed its commitment to strengthening teachers' support and uplifting teaching quality in the country.

In her Basic Education Report 2023, Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte recognized the zeal and passion of Filipino teachers, vowing to champion their welfare and professional development as part of her MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa agenda.

"Teachers are critical to the success of education. When they are supported, education quality improves," Vice President and Secretary Duterte said.

Duterte emphasized that the agency will remove the administrative task of teachers and will continuously advocate for additional benefits and address issues affecting their net-take-home pay.

"We will remove non-teaching tasks and provide administrative officers in schools. We will provide adequate manpower complement in schools, manage teachers' workload, and compensate teachers for unique school challenges," VP-Sec. Duterte said.

"We will continuously advocate for additional benefits for our teachers. We will work towards addressing issues affecting the net-take-home pay of teachers," she added.

The Education chief also said that the agency would implement a policy on the distribution of workload and payment for teaching overload.

DepEd will also request the Department of Budget and Management the expansion of the coverage of Special Hardship Allowances, and closely coordinate with the GSIS for an improved benefits package for all the personnel.

Furthermore, DepEd commits to elevating teaching approaches and standards by following the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) and capacitating them in utilizing and maximizing the benefits of digital and remote learning.

"We will continuously provide professional development programs, including graduate degree scholarship programs to teachers focusing on their learning area specialization and graduate certificate programs for nonmajors," VP-Sec. Duterte noted.

The Department will likewise fast-track the career progression policy and strictly implement the Merit Selection Policy to avoid any intervention in appointing personnel to vacant positions.

“We also recognize your sacrifices. We thank you for your sacrifices. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon. Hindi po namin kayo pababayaan,” VP-Sec. Duterte ended.