A Breath of Relief for Educators: Teachers Reclaim the Classroom as DepEd Slashes Paperwork Under Marcos Administration

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For the longest time, Philippine public school teachers have juggled lesson plans with paperwork, drowning in a sea of forms that often eclipsed the heart of their profession: teaching. But a significant transformation has begun — quietly, steadily, and now unmistakably — under the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos. The Department of Education (DepEd), in a bold reform under Secretary Sonny Angara, has executed a sweeping cut in classroom documentation requirements — reducing paperwork by a remarkable 57%.

And for teachers like Mark Anthony Asis from Camarines Norte, the change is nothing short of liberating.

“Mas makakapag-focus ako sa pagtuturo at magagabayan ko nang maayos ang aking mga mag-aaral,” Asis shared. “Hindi na ako maggugugol ng maraming oras sa paggawa ng accomplishments para sa mga form na ito.”

Where once their desks were buried in documents, teachers now find space for lesson materials, feedback sheets, and even a hot cup of coffee. The burden of filling out 174 school forms has been streamlined. Under DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2025, only five (5) essential forms will remain mandatory for all teachers. The rest — 31 ancillary task forms and 39 for specific teaching-related assignments — are now conditional based on actual responsibilities as defined by DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024.

The outcome? A monumental shift in mindset and momentum within public schools.

A New Chapter in Education

“This move is a declaration that meaningful learning and teacher well-being go hand in hand,” declared Education Secretary Sonny Angara, whose tenure has become synonymous with restoring dignity and direction to public education.

“We’re clearing the runway so teachers can fly,” Angara boldly stated.

“Binawasan natin ang pasanin ng mga guro. Binibigyan natin sila ng mas maraming oras, lakas, at puso para sa tunay na pagtuturo.”

And fly, they are beginning to.

Collaboration Over Compliance

In Iloilo City, Teacher Jenalyn Trance of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School has noticed a distinct transformation beyond the paper cuts.

“There is an improved collaboration among teachers,” she said. “We have more time to share best practices and participate in team teaching.”

Gone are the rushed afternoons spent completing reports. In their place are group discussions on student performance, strategy sessions on modular innovations, and teacher-to-teacher coaching sessions that inspire rather than exhaust.

Professional development has also surged. With more time freed up, teachers are now re-investing in their own growth — a move that will inevitably ripple into better outcomes for students across the country.

Creativity Unleashed

In Camarines Sur, Teacher Catherine Fajardo Santa Maria of Camarines Sur National High School echoed a similar sentiment, noting a rejuvenated sense of innovation among her colleagues.

“Nagiging mas innovative at flexible kami sa approaches upang mapanatili ang epektibong pagtuturo at coaching,” she said. “Kahit mas kaunting forms na ang ginagawa, mas tumitibay ang aming pagganap sa loob ng klasrum.”

By lifting the weight of bureaucracy, DepEd has allowed creativity to breathe. Teachers are now experimenting with differentiated instruction, technology-integrated teaching, and student-centered activities — all without the specter of endless documentation.

A System Built on Trust

This reform is not merely administrative. It is symbolic. It signifies trust — that teachers, when given autonomy and time, will choose to teach better, to care deeper, and to serve more passionately.

In an education system long bogged down by red tape and rigid compliance, this development is a turning point. It brings hope that future reforms will continue to align systems with sense, and bureaucracy with empathy.

Teaching, Reclaimed

At the heart of this story are the students. For every teacher whose load has been lightened, there is a learner whose experience has been elevated. A student who receives timely feedback, more engaging lessons, and a mentor who is no longer too tired to care.

The classroom, once blurred by forms and files, is becoming visible again.

Time, once stolen by spreadsheets and reports, is returning to its rightful owner — the Filipino teacher.

And with that time comes the most powerful change of all: the chance to teach again with heart, purpose, and pride.

For more human stories behind education reforms and advocacy journalism, follow Wazzup Pilipinas and Ross Flores Del Rosario as we highlight voices reshaping the nation.

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