DepEd issues moratorium on NEAP-recognized professional dev’t programs, courses for teachers, school leaders

In line with the directions of the new administration, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a moratorium on the implementation of the guidelines for professional development programs and courses for teachers and school leaders recognized by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP). In DepEd Memorandum No. 12 series of 2023 signed by DepEd Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, the moratorium covers the implementation of DepEd Order No. 1 series of 2020 or the “Guidelines for NEAP Recognition of Professional Development Programs and Courses for Teachers and School Leaders.” In line with the “ongoing review of the existing systems and processes to streamline and strengthen” professional development (PD) programs and courses for teachers and school leaders, DepEd said that the implementation of the Guidelines for NEAP recognition of professional development programs and courses for teachers and school leaders under DepEd Order No. 001 series of 2020 “shall be held in abeyance.” This moratorium, DepEd said, was issued in line with the “new directions of this administration through the MATATAG Agenda which envisions to implement resilient reforms in the curriculum implementation, quality basic education services, maximum provision of education facilities, protection of learner well-being, and development of teacher support programs.” During the moratorium, DepEd Service Providers are expected to “prioritize” the implementation of the Curriculum and Teaching strand PD programs such as the K-12 Curriculum, Learning Camp for Math, Science, and English (Grades 7 and 8), National Literacies Program, and other NEAP-related PD Programs/Activities chargeable to Human Resource Development (HRD) Funds, subject to the Interim PD standards to be issued by NEAP in a separate memorandum. Related to this, DepEd said that availing of the HRD Fund through the NEAP Recognition process in accordance to DO 030, s. 2021 or the Multiyear Implementing Guidelines on the Allocation and Utilization of the Human Resource Development Fund for Teachers and Leaders “shall also be held in abeyance until such time that NEAP issues new directions and policies related to DepEd Professional Development System.” “This moratorium shall remain in effect until it has been lifted by any appropriate issuances,” DepEd said. Meanwhile, DepEd noted that Learning Service Providers authorized by NEAP may “continue to offer” their PD programs and courses “subject to the voluntary participation of teachers and school leaders.”