DepEd vows to deploy 15k principals this year

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a bold move to address the critical shortage of school principals, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced plans to deploy over 15,000 qualified teachers to principal positions this year. This initiative aims to fill the leadership void in more than half of the country's public schools, which currently operate without designated principals.

The Principal Shortage Crisis

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), 55% of public schools in the Philippines lack appointed principals. This shortage is attributed to factors such as low passing rates for the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH), high personnel turnover, and cumbersome qualification processes.

DepEd's Strategic Interventions

To combat these challenges, DepEd has outlined a comprehensive strategy:

Deployment of NQESH Passers: As of 2024, there are 7,916 teachers who have passed the NQESH. DepEd plans to deploy these qualified individuals to fill existing principal vacancies promptly.

Issuance of Interim Guidelines: DepEd will implement guidelines to ensure that principals currently detailed to offices return to their assigned schools. Additionally, these guidelines will facilitate the reassignment of surplus principal positions to schools in need.

Reclassification and Retitling of Positions: Under the Expanded Career Progression Policy, 14,761 Head Teachers (I-V) will be reclassified as School Principal I. Furthermore, 954 Head Teachers VI and Assistant School Principal II positions will be retitled to School Principal I, expediting the promotion process for acting school heads.

Refocusing the NQESH: Starting in 2025, the NQESH will shift its focus towards competency assessment, serving as a basis for targeted interventions and capacity building. The administration of the NQESH will also be decentralized to regional levels to improve accessibility and efficiency.

Adoption of the School Organizational Structure and Staffing Standards (SOSSS): By 2026, DepEd aims to establish a 1:1 principal-to-school ratio. To support this initiative, an additional 5,870 School Principal I positions will be created.

Leadership Commitment

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the critical role of principals, stating, "This pressing issue is an eye-opener. So many of our schools operate without brains—because that’s what our principals are, the brains of our schools. Rest assured, DepEd is taking swift action to address this problem."

Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development Wilfredo Cabral also highlighted the importance of supporting principals: "We owe it to our hardworking, and visionary principals who are often overlooked. DepEd recognizes your passion to keep our schools operating and running, thank you for your selfless service."

Looking Ahead

DepEd's comprehensive plan reflects a commitment to strengthening educational leadership across the Philippines. By addressing the root causes of the principal shortage and implementing targeted interventions, the department aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure that every public school is equipped with effective leadership.

As these initiatives roll out, continuous monitoring and collaboration with educational stakeholders will be essential to ensure their success and sustainability.

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