A teachers’ group on Saturday, Feb. 1, welcomed the plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement a “one principal, one school” policy, emphasizing that every school should have a dedicated leader to improve management and learning outcomes.
In a statement, the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed support for DepEd’s plan to implement a 1:1 principal-to-school policy, citing it as a “necessary reform” to address leadership gaps in public schools.
On Jan. 31, DepEd announced its plan to implement a 1:1 principal-to-school policy in line with the administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/31/dep-ed-pushes-for-1-1-principal-to-school-policy
DepEd’s move comes after the Year 2 report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) revealed the lack of qualified school heads in nearly 25,000 public schools nationwide.
TDC commended EDCOM II for its “rigorous assessment” of the need for school heads in the country’s public schools.
"Napakahalaga ng ginagawang hakbang ng EDCOM II at maging ng DepEd upang mapunan ang kakulangan sa mga principal sa ating mga paaralan (The steps being taken by EDCOM II and even by DepEd are very important in addressing the shortage of principals in our schools),” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.
“Ito ay kinakailangang tugon sa lumalalang mga hamon sa pamamahala ng ating edukasyon (This is a necessary response to the worsening challenges in the management of our education),” Basas added.
TDC also expressed appreciation for DepEd's “openness” to policy reforms that enhance the structure of educational leadership.
Accessible career progression
Alongside this, the group is also urging DepEd to prioritize the promotion of seasoned teachers, recognizing their experience and contributions to the education sector.
Basas emphasized that beyond addressing the need for principals, the government must also ensure accessible career progression for seasoned teachers, particularly those who have been in service for over a decade and those assigned in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).
“Habang tinutugunan ang kakulangan sa mga mamumuno sa paaralan, kailangang tiyakin din na ang sistema ng promosyon ay patas at madaling maaabot ng lahat ng guro (While addressing the shortage of school leaders, it is also necessary to ensure that the promotion system is fair and accessible to all teachers),” Basas said.
“Dapat mabigyan ng prayoridad yaong matagal nang naglilingkod o yaong mga naitalaga na sa mga liblib na lugar (They should prioritize those who have been serving for a long time or those who have been assigned to remote areas),” he added.
Additionally, TDC called on DepEd to enhance its teacher promotion and professional development programs, ensuring veteran educators have equal access to career advancement opportunities.
The group committed to working closely with DepEd leadership and lawmakers to bring this advocacy to fruition.