Vice President Sara Duterte, who sits as the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary in a concurrent capacity, reminded officials and personnel of the agency to practice the “highest form of professionalism” in the implementation and delivery of basic education programs and services.
Issuing DepEd Order No. 47 series of 2022 titled “Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services,” Duterte said that it is the policy of the department to promote effective and efficient policies and programs.
“To realize this, the DepEd should be free from any partisan activities,” she explained.
Given this, Duterte reminded the officials and employees --- which include teaching and non-teaching personnel in schools --- to practice the “highest form of professionalism.”
DepEd officials and employees were also asked to observe several measures to ensure the promotion of professionalism in the implementation and delivery of basic education programs and services.
In particular, DepEd officials and personnel were asked to “refrain from seeking endorsements, recommendations, contributions, support, consideration, political accommodations, or any form of intervention from other government personnel or similar entities outside” of the agency.
They were also directed to “desist from soliciting favorable actions from politicians to facilitate the implementation of programs, projects, or activities” except those covered by the Adopt-A-School Program, initiated by the local government units, funded by the Special Education Fund (SEF), or covered by partnership agreements and/or allowed by law.
DepEd officials and employees were also instructed to “follow the internal rules and regulations of the DepEd on protocols relative to communication, correspondence, and other appropriate work processes.”
Moreover, they were also directed to “write letters of requests or correspondences directly to the Office of the Secretary regarding concerns that may be related to basic education.”
Failure to comply with any of these measures, Duterte said, shall mean “outright denial of the request or appeal for consideration” in her office.
Likewise, Duterte directed DepEd officials and employees to “exercise utmost attention, prudence, and judiciousness” in the implementation and delivery of basic education programs and services.