In a bold step to improve educational outcomes in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, June 3, announced that the paperwork required of public school teachers will be reduced by 57 percent through a sweeping policy reform.

“This move is a declaration that meaningful learning and teacher well-being go hand in hand,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara in a statement. “We’re clearing the runway so teachers can fly,” he added.

The agency issued DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2025, a landmark reform under the administration of President Marcos.

Under the new policy, the number of required forms has been reduced from 174 to just five regularly accomplished documents.

An additional 70 forms are now considered optional and limited to specific ancillary or teaching-related roles, as defined under DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024.

For Teacher Mark Anthony Asis of Camarines Norte, the impact of DepEd’s paperwork reduction is already tangible.

“Mas makakapag-focus ako sa pagtuturo at magagabayan ko nang maayos ang aking mga mag-aaral (I will be able to focus more on teaching and properly guide my students),” he said. “Mas maraming oras na para sa paghahanda at pagbibigay ng feedback (There will be more time for preparation and giving feedback),” he added.

This long-awaited reform addresses concerns raised in a 2023 Pulse Asia survey, which found that 7 out of 10 teachers felt overwhelmed by excessive administrative tasks that detracted from classroom instruction.

Teachers across the Philippines report improved morale, productivity, and collaboration due to the streamlined reporting process.

Teacher Jenalyn Trance of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Iloilo City highlighted the benefits. “We have more time to share best practices and participate in team teaching,” she said. “We’re also more engaged in professional development to enhance our skills,” she added.

Meanwhile, Teacher Catherine Fajardo of Camarines Sur National High School emphasized the boost in creativity.

“Nagiging mas innovative at flexible kami sa aming approaches upang mapanatili ang epektibong pagtuturo at coaching (We are becoming more innovative and flexible in our approaches to maintain effective teaching and coaching),” she said.

For DepEd, the paperwork reduction is more than a bureaucratic tweak—it marks a strategic shift toward student-centered education and teacher empowerment.

“Binawasan natin ang pasanin ng mga guro. Binibigyan natin sila ng mas maraming oras, lakas, at puso para sa tunay na pagtuturo (We have lightened the burden on teachers. We are giving them more time, energy, and heart for true teaching),” Angara said. “Sa bawat gurong gumagaan ang trabaho, may batang mas natututo (For every teacher whose workload is lightened, there is a child who learns more),” he added.

With less time spent on compliance and documentation, DepEd hopes Filipino teachers can now focus more on lesson planning, mentoring students, and delivering high-quality instruction.