Angara: Classroom observation reforms underway to ease pressure on teachers

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MAKATI CITY, 9 January 2026 - The Department of Education (DepEd) recognizes the concerns raised by teachers regarding classroom observation, as Education Secretary Sonny Angara affirms that their welfare remains a priority. 

At this time, the Department is not moving toward a complete suspension of classroom observation. When conducted properly, humanely, and with a clear purpose, classroom observation will remain an important tool for improving teaching quality and learner outcomes.

DepEd also clarified that classroom observation is not meant to be high-stakes or punitive. It is intended to be formative, supportive, and collaborative—conducted within schools and among peers—to strengthen a culture of teamwork and shared learning.

Rather than a blanket suspension, the Department is drafting new guidelines to shift away from traditional, high-stakes practices toward more modern, teacher-centered approaches. 

These include full classroom observations when appropriate; short and focused 5- to 10-minute walkthrough observations; instructional rounds; and reflective, data-informed feedback mechanisms designed to support teachers without adding unnecessary pressure. 

Secretary Angara said the reforms are consistent with President Marcos’ directive to protect and support teachers. 

“Hindi namin sinasuspinde ang classroom observation dahil mahalaga ito sa teaching quality at learner outcomes. Ang binabago namin ay ang sistema—mula high-stakes, papunta sa mas makatao at supportive na approaches. Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: alagaan ang ating mga guro,” Angara said. 

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Teacher Agnes Buenaflor at sa lahat ng ating mga guro. Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: alagaan ang ating mga teachers,” he added. 

These reforms aim to ensure that classroom observation remains purposeful and constructive while upholding professional standards and safeguarding the well-being of teachers. The Department continues to welcome feedback as it refines its policies in support of better teaching and better learning for all. 

Expanded mental health services to better support students in schools, with parents as partners

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

 

MAKATI CITY, 12 January 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding school-based mental health and anti-bullying support by formally involving parents, guardians, and caregivers as partners in learner protection through the implementation of the Kaagapay Program, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to strengthen learner well-being and child protection in public schools. 

Under the DepEd Memorandum No. 002, s. 2026, the Kaagapay program is tapping parents and guardians as co-educators who help reinforce values formation, positive discipline, and learner well-being at home, in direct support of classroom instruction and school-based guidance programs.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the reform strengthens the support system around learners by bringing families into the process.

“Bilang magulang din, alam natin kung gaano kabigat na responsibilidad ang pag-aalaga at paggabay sa bata. Kaya kapag magkakasama ang pamilya at paaralan sa paghubog ng asal at pag-unawa sa pinagdadaanan ng anak, mas napapangalagaan ang learners at mas gumagaan ang trabaho ng mga guro,” Angara said.  

With an allocation of Php100 million nationwide, Kaagapay is being implemented through parent engagement sessions and advocacy campaigns designed to translate school policies into practical, everyday actions within families. These sessions use participatory and experiential methods such as sharing of best practices, guided reflection, and action planning, enabling parents to better understand learner behavior, socio-emotional needs, and the early signs of bullying or distress.

The sessions are structured to help parents situate their role within DepEd’s curriculum and learner development priorities before moving into learning discussions on socio-emotional and values support, positive discipline, bullying awareness, and home–school–community partnership. Parents are encouraged to reflect on their own family contexts and develop simple home action plans that align with school objectives, with the goal of sustaining positive practices beyond the sessions.

To ensure wider participation, schools may conduct face-to-face, modular, and asynchronous delivery modes, taking into account parents’ schedules, backgrounds, and circumstances. The program is open to all parents and caregivers of learners in public elementary and secondary schools and is designed to ensure representation across different family structures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Participation is voluntary, and safeguards are in place to protect privacy and prevent stigma  

Implementation of the Kaagapay Program is already underway, with coordination and engagement activities continuing within School Year 2025–2026 through schools division offices.

The rollout of Kaagapay coincides with broader government investments in learner well-being, including a Php2.9-billion allocation for the School-Based Mental Health Program. The allocation supports the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), which mandates the strengthening of school-based mental health services, including suicide prevention in schools.

With Kaagapay, DepEd is strengthening learner protection and well-being by ensuring that parents are not bystanders but active partners in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments.

WVSU tops ForeSTAR 2025 short film competition

 

Wazzup Pilipinas?!

 

Student filmmakers from West Visayas State University recently bagged the grand prize in ForeSTAR ng Pasko: A Short Film Competition, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

“Handong” by Sine-Mariit of WVSU also won Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography during the awarding ceremony held at the BGC Central Square Cinema.

DENR-FMB Executive Committee members led by Assistant Director Atty. Ray Thomas F. Kabigting, FDCP Project Development Officer Gaby Velazco, judges Dr. Joselito Delos Reyes and Seymour Sanchez, and faculty and students from participating colleges and universities, graced the event.

“ForeSTAR continues to be one of our most meaningful initiatives because it gives students a platform to express their connection to nature and to share stories that inspire action for our forests,” Kabigting said in his welcome message.

“This competition reminds us that environmental stewardship can be expressed in many ways – and that storytelling is one of the most powerful. Through film, our young participants have shown us their perspectives, their hopes, and their commitment to protecting our forests for future generations,” Kabigting added.

ForeSTAR ng Pasko was a celebration of environmental advocacy and student creativity, proving that the best holiday stories are the ones rooted in nature. After screening films that placed forests at the heart of the Filipino Christmas spirit, major awards were handed out to the young filmmakers.

“Pamasko ng Gubat” by Commerkadas of Leyte Normal University was awarded second prize.

“Bisperas” by Lucky 8 Media Entertainment from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila took home the third prize trophy and the Best Poster award.

“Monito” by Pelikulang Daluyong Productions of Laguna University got fourth place while “Paskong Nilala” by Beda.Comm of San Beda College-Alabang came in fifth.

The DENR-FMB’s partnership with FDCP marks a new chapter for the ForeSTAR competition.

While past years focused on parol-making, on-the-spot banig-painting, bamboo belen-making, digital art, Christmas tree-making, fashion shows, and chorale competitions, the short film contest allowed students to explore the connections among forests, forest-dependent communities, and Filipino Christmas traditions on a grander scale.

“ForeSTAR opened a critical avenue for short films that mainly tackles the delicate balance of environment and our modern existence. It provides us with a panoramic window of talents presumably confined in urban-centric universities. I hope DENR-FMB ForeSTAR will continue to be a platform for budding filmmakers and communicators,” Delos Reyes shared.