To prioritize the welfare of Filipino teachers in public schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 2, implementing guidelines for the rationalization of their workload and compensation for teaching overload.

“By optimizing teachers' workloads and providing fair compensation for additional duties, we are creating a more balanced and sustainable environment for our educators,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement. “This will ultimately enhance student learning outcomes,” he added.

DepEd issued the Implementation Guidelines for the Rationalization of Teachers' Workload in Public Schools and Compensation for Teaching Overload through DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024, in line with the directive of President Marcos to prioritize the welfare of Filipino educators.

Signed by Angara, DepEd issued Memorandum No. 053, s. 2024, which serves as a supplemental issuance to streamline the application of the key provisions of DO 005, s. 2024.

“The memorandum addresses operational concerns raised by teachers and field personnel, ensuring consistency and clarity in the policy’s execution,” DepEd said.

DepEd explained that the newly issued memorandum reiterates that “teachers are not required to teach more than six hours per day,” per the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670).

“In exceptional cases where teachers exceed this six-hour limit, they will be eligible for overload pay for up to two additional hours per day,” DepEd said.

Meanwhile, DepEd noted that in instances where teachers have fewer than six hours of actual teaching, they may be “assigned teaching-related tasks, proportionate to the time available.”

“These guidelines ensure that teaching overloads are managed transparently, with clear procedures for compensation and equitable workload distribution,” DepEd added.

DepEd also noted that teachers performing work beyond their regular six-hour load may earn Vacation Service Credits (VSC), providing “additional recognition for their contributions.”

Moreover, DepEd said teachers will also have “flexibility” in completing ancillary tasks, with the option to perform them inside or outside school premises.
“Importantly, no additional reporting requirements will be imposed,” DepEd said. “Instead, teachers will simply track their activities using logbooks, locator slips, or certificates of undertaking,” it added.

To facilitate the smooth rollout of these policies, DepEd said it will provide standardized templates and materials through its online platforms.

Additionally, DepEd said an implementation team, led by the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, will “oversee the policy’s enforcement across all schools, ensuring compliance with the established guidelines.”