The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that it will hire 7,062 administrative support staff for public schools across the country. This decision aims to reduce the workload of teachers by assigning clerical tasks to administrative staff.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed DepEd to ease the burden on educators by removing unnecessary paperwork and other non-teaching responsibilities. The goal is to improve the quality of education by allowing teachers to focus on teaching instead of handling administrative tasks.
Why DepEd Is Hiring More Administrative Staff
Teachers in the Philippines often struggle with heavy workloads. Aside from teaching, they are expected to handle reports, coordinate school programs, and manage various paperwork. These extra tasks take time away from lesson planning and student engagement.
To solve this issue, DepEd will hire administrative staff under a Contract of Service (CoS) arrangement. The funding for this initiative will come from the department’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) budget.
Who Can Apply?
DepEd has set specific qualifications for applicants:
- Must have at least a Senior High School diploma
- Should have basic administrative skills
- Must be familiar with Microsoft Office
- Should know how to operate standard office equipment
Applicants will go through a selection process that includes credential reviews and interviews to ensure they meet DepEd’s standards.
Salary and Benefits
The administrative staff will be paid based on the regional minimum wage, calculated for 22 working days per month. Additionally, DepEd will provide a 12.5% premium in stages. This means that workers will receive additional pay on top of their base salary.
What Will the New Staff Do?
The newly hired administrative staff will take over many clerical tasks that teachers currently handle. Their responsibilities include:
- Preparing reports
- Coordinating school programs and activities
- Managing paperwork assigned by school heads
By shifting these duties to administrative staff, teachers will have more time to focus on lesson planning, classroom instruction, and student support.
Performance Evaluation and Renewal
DepEd has also introduced a performance evaluation system for existing administrative officers. Those currently holding these positions must meet performance targets outlined in their Terms of Reference (TOR) and pass evaluations conducted by their Schools Division Offices (SDOs) to qualify for contract renewal.
Impact on Philippine Education
This initiative is expected to bring several benefits:
✅ Better quality education – Teachers can dedicate more time to students instead of dealing with paperwork.
✅ Improved teacher well-being – Reduced workload can help prevent burnout and stress.
✅ More efficient school operations – Having dedicated admin staff can make processes smoother and more organized.
Government Support for Teachers
The hiring of administrative staff is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the education system. The Marcos administration has emphasized the need to enhance learning environments and ensure that educators receive adequate support.
By addressing administrative burdens, DepEd is taking a step toward creating a better teaching and learning experience in public schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is DepEd hiring more administrative staff?
DepEd wants to reduce teachers’ non-teaching responsibilities so they can focus on classroom instruction and student learning.
How many admin staff will be hired?
DepEd will hire 7,062 administrative support staff for public schools nationwide.
How will these positions be funded?
The hiring will be funded through DepEd’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) budget.
What qualifications are required to apply?
Applicants must have at least a Senior High School diploma and basic administrative skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and standard office equipment.
How much will the new staff be paid?
Salaries will be based on the regional minimum wage, with an additional 12.5% premium given in stages.
What tasks will the new admin staff handle?
They will be responsible for preparing reports, coordinating school activities, and managing paperwork to help ease teachers’ workloads.
Will current admin officers keep their jobs?
Existing administrative officers must meet performance targets and pass evaluations by their Schools Division Offices (SDOs) to qualify for contract renewal.
How will this initiative improve education?
With fewer clerical duties, teachers can focus on teaching, leading to better student learning outcomes and improved school operations.
DepEd’s decision to hire over 7,000 administrative staff is a significant step toward reducing teachers’ workload and improving education quality. By giving educators more time to focus on students, the government is ensuring that learning remains the top priority in public schools.
This move is a win for both teachers and students, paving the way for a better and more efficient education system in the Philippines.
