MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) has enlisted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe alleged anomalies in the Senior High School (SHS) voucher program, including the misuse of public funds through “ghost students” and undocumented beneficiaries in private schools.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara assured full cooperation with the NBI’s independent investigation and vowed stricter oversight to prevent fraud.
“We will ensure that the SHS Voucher Program remains a tool for educational access, not a loophole for fraud. We are strengthening safeguards, reinforcing accountability, and making sure only rightful beneficiaries receive assistance,” Angara said.
To tighten monitoring, DepEd has enhanced its Voucher Management System (VMS) and Learner Information System (LIS) with stricter verification and multi-layered cross-checking. Schools flagged for discrepancies in billing and LIS records will have payments withheld until issues are resolved.
An upgraded LIS audit feature will also track and alert changes in student records via email.
Beyond the NBI probe, Angara pledged to work with lawmakers and other government agencies to prevent similar incidents, authorizing the DepEd Executive Committee to pursue legal and administrative actions.
DepEd remains committed to transparency and holding accountable those responsible for the irregularities.
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MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) is revising the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 to enhance efforts against bullying in schools nationwide.
In a statement on Friday (07 Feb 2025), DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the law has not been fully enforced across all public schools.
“It’s been over a decade since we helped craft this law in the Senate, and I’ve noticed that not all schools have adopted an anti-bullying policy,” Angara said.
The DepEd plans to collaborate with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to complete the IRR revisions by the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
The revision aims to improve the monitoring of bullying incidents, ensure full compliance with the law, and strengthen the Learner Rights and Protection Office, which was established in 2022 to provide a platform for reporting bullying and violence. Angara also mentioned increasing the number of guidance counselors to better support students affected by bullying.
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MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) celebrated the International Day of Education (IDE) on January 24, 2025, emphasizing the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
Held at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City, this year’s event, themed “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” highlighted the role of AI and educational technology (EdTech) in enhancing learning experiences.
DepEd reiterated its commitment to responsibly equip students with the skills needed to use AI effectively. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision, the agency stressed the importance of AI as a tool for empowerment rather than replacement.
“Let us champion AI as a tool for empowerment, not replacement,” said DepEd Undersecretary and chief of staff, Lawyer Fatima Lipp Panontongan. “Together, we can create a future where technology amplifies human potential, not diminishes it.”
The event also spotlighted DepEd’s collaboration with Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, an AI-powered educational assistant, aimed at addressing learning challenges and improving educational outcomes.
The IDE, observed annually on January 24, promotes universal access to education and youth engagement in learning. This year’s celebration saw participation from key organizations, including UNESCO, UNICEF Philippines, SEAMEO INNOTECH, and the Department of Science and Technology.
Exhibits showcasing AI’s role in education featured contributions from various EdTech partners such as FELTA, CISTEM, STI, Samsung, Unilab, and iAcademy.
Panontongan emphasized the need to nurture and inspire future generations, stating, “It is our duty to ensure that Gen Z, Alpha, Beta, and beyond are well-prepared for the future.”
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MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) has teamed up with Delivery Associates Australia Pty Ltd. and Ayala Foundation Inc. to drive improvements in the quality of basic education in the Philippines.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, along with representatives from Delivery Associates and Ayala Foundation, formalized the collaboration with the signing of a memorandum of agreement at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.
The partnership aims to establish measurable targets for education reform, create a specialized team to oversee the implementation, and ensure the alignment of initiatives with DepEd’s long-term goals. The first phase will focus on assessing DepEd’s current capacity, identifying priority programs, and developing a clear structure and staffing plan for the reform efforts.
DepEd officials highlighted that Delivery Associates would conduct a thorough evaluation of the department’s existing framework and recommend strategies to enhance its effectiveness. With this agreement, the partners hope to pave the way for a more accountable and results-driven education system.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Some 93,000 “unserviceable” units of Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) stored in Comelec warehouses may soon find new homes in public school classrooms nationwide.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia announced on Wednesday (07 Aug 2024) that the poll body is considering donating these old VCM units to the Department of Education (DepEd) for alternative uses.
“We’re offering them for free. We’ll donate them to DepEd. We’re calling on Secretary Sonny Angara to consider this, as there may be a way to make some of these units operational again,” Garcia revealed in an interview on dzBB Super Radyo.
He further explained that these VCM units could be used by schools, for instance, to check students’ exam papers to expedite the process.
Despite concerns from Sagip party-list Rep. Dante Marcoleta, Comelec has engaged South Korean firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd. to procure a new automated election system for the 2025 national and local elections.
(ia/mnm)
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed deep concern and alarm over the rising number of killings involving minors, particularly girls, following the tragic death of a student while completing her learning modules at home in Cebu province on Friday (26 April 2024).
Authorities reported that the Grade 7 student was working on her modules when unidentified assailants arrived at her home in Talisay City and opened fire, fatally injuring her.
In a statement, DepEd condemned the senseless killing of the student and extended condolences to her family, friends, and classmates.
“No learner should ever fear for their safety while pursuing education, whether at home or in school,” the department emphasized.
DepEd called on authorities to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the crime, bring the perpetrator to justice and urged local authorities and the community to unite in solidarity against violence to ensure the safety of all learners.
On April 18, DepEd also condemned the murder of a female Grade 8 student in Agoncillo, Batangas, who was killed while on her way to school.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Describing an earlier radio news report posted on Facebook as “misleading”, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday (24 April 2024) said it’s not true that two teachers allegedly died of heatstroke while conducting classes in Iloilo.
The DepEd was referring to a Facebook post by XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo which said both teachers died while conducting classes.
“Based on official records, one of our teachers in Sta. Barbara passed away last February 2024 due to Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease, while another teacher passed away sometime in March 2024 due to an Aneurysm. In both instances, the teachers were reportedly at home,” the DepEd stressed in a statement.
The DepEd pointed out that while no teacher died due to heatstroke, the two teachers who were reported to have died due to heatstroke were actually inside their respective homes.
“It is unfortunate that certain news outlets resort to sensationalizing the death of our teachers at the expense of true and factual reporting,” the DepEd lamented.
The education department also sent their condolences to the bereaved families.
It can be recalled that the DepEd earlier reiterated that it has authorized local school heads to adjust class schedules amid the unbearable heat brought about by the hot weather.
There was no reaction from the abovementioned radio station as of this posting.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to disburse a Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) amounting to P18,000 to eligible public school teachers and personnel starting Tuesday, December 19.
According to a memorandum dated December 15, the processing of payments starts Monday (December 18, 2023) with cash distribution scheduled for the following day, Tuesday (19 Dec 2023).
DepEd has announced that teachers in remote areas may request an exception to the cash-only mode of SRI distribution. In such cases, their SRIs can be credited to their payroll ATMs, as stated by the department.
The memorandum, signed by DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa and Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, emphasizes the need for all offices involved in the SRI processing and release to expedite payments while adhering to standard budgetary, accounting, and auditing protocols.
This initiative is under Administrative Order No. 12, titled “Authorizing the Grant of Service Recognition Incentive to Government Employees for Fiscal Year 2023,” issued by the Office of the President.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Echoing Vice President Sara Duterte, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, December 12, said that it was no longer concerned that the bicameral conference committee decided against reinstating its proposed P150 million confidential funds for DepEd for 2024 in the final version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
The popularity of Vice President Sara Duterte, who is also the concurrent DepEd Secretary, was affected as her ratings plunged in rating surveys after she had requested confidential funds worth P500 million for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and P150 million for DepEd for 2024.
“Hindi naman siya kawalan so we have already accepted that during the last hearing we had in the Senate. That is why we proposed its reallocation to critical program of the department, particularly the national learning recovery program,” DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas quipped in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
He added that the DepEd maintains its earlier statement during the Senate hearing that it can survive without confidential funds.
Realizing the public uproar on the confidential funds, VP Duterte later announced that she would no longer pursue the requested funds since the issue of confidential funds had become “divisive”.
Instead, she requested that confidential funds for DepEd be realigned to the national learning recovery program.
“So wala tayong adverse comment pa for now but we maintain our position na we also want that fund to be in the national learning recovery,” Bringas said.
(ai/mnm)
By Vergel Labesig
VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte called for collective action to address the low scores of Filipino students in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment.
The 2022 PISA results showed that the average scores of Filipino students in reading, mathematics and science have not improved significantly compared to other countries.
The report stated that mean scores showed that Filipino students aged 15 years old garnered only 356 points in science, 347 in reading, and 355 in mathematics.
The mean score for math among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries was 472 points for mathematics, 476 in reading and, 485 in science.
Duterte termed the results as “uncomfortable truths” that should prod all stakeholders in the education sector to work hard to address the findings.
“This is a call to action, a call to our collective responsibility as a nation. We need every stakeholder to join us in this journey moving forward. We may approach the solution differently, but we all agree on the destination,” Duterte said.
“Everyone’s efforts are counted and everyone is accountable for our children’s future,” she added.
Despite the negative mark, Duterte said the DepEd under her watch is making progress in addressing learning issues among Filipino students to further improve the quality of basic education in the country.
She pointed to the Marcos administration’s effort to overhaul the K to 10 program under the aegis of its “Matatag Curriculum.”
“I call on everyone to pull our efforts together for a more resilient Matatag education system, an education system that aims to improve learning outcomes, prioritize student and teacher well-being, and promote accountability to close remaining disparities,” the DepEd chief said.
The Matatag curriculum is currently being pilot-tested in 35 schools in seven regions of the country.
Among the revisions in the K to 10 program include reducing the number of competencies and greater emphasis on the development of foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills for Kinder to Grade 3 learners.
The current curriculum has seven competencies namely Mother Tongue, Filipino, English, Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, MAPEH, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.
However, under the Matatag curriculum, there will be five competencies namely Language, Reading and Literacy, Mathematics, Makabansa, and Good Manners and Right Conduct.
Duterte also pointed to the “catch-up” day in schools to allow students to have time to read different books of their interest.
The “catch-up” day will be implemented every Friday starting on January 12, 2024.
During the catch-up Fridays, students from kindergarten to Grade 12 shall devote time to reading books and other reading materials based on their interests.
They will be later tasked by their teachers to write essays, analyses, and reviews of the books and other materials they have read.
Aside from these measures, Duterte also pointed to the role of teacher training institutions in educating teachers.
“Our schools and communities can contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, supportive, and connected school climate. We must act to bring back our school-aged children and prevent long-term absenteeism, protecting them from exploitation due to their socioeconomic conditions,” Duterte further said.
DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong for her part said she is confident the scores of Filipino students in the next Pisa assessment will improve due to the reform measures being implemented by DepEd.
“We’re hoping na slowly but surely magiging statistically significant yung increase ng scores natin,” Gonong said.
“But we need to work harder para naman magkaroon tayo ng improvement in terms of levels,” she added.
Gonong also put a positive spin on the latest Pisa results saying there was an increase in scores for Filipino students.
“Merong increase ng scores although sinasabi natin na hindi statistically significant pero good news na yun kasi di tayo bumaba nag increase ng scores in math and reading. Ang science ang bumaba ng one point but again statistically insignificant,” she added.
Gonong also said some Filipino students were able to achieve the minimum proficiency.
“There is 16 percent in mathematics, 24 percent in reading, 23 percent in science. But we have to work on the more than 75 percent of our students who are below the minimum level of proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading,” he added.
DepEd NCR Director Wilfredo Cabral also said they are looking into policy directions that will ensure the well-being of teachers
“We are starting to remove non-teacher tasks being assigned to them,” Cabral added.
By Junex Doronio
ACKNOWLEDGING THE VARIOUS THREATS to the security and lives of the teachers who backed out from their traditional poll duties, Vice President and Education Secretary (VPES) Sara Duterte on Saturday thanked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for not filing charges against them.
On Friday, November 3, the Comelec announced that it would not be filing criminal complaints against teacher-poll workers who begged off from working during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) last October 30.
The VPES thanked the Comelec “for recognizing the various threats that confronted them during this time.”
“We also stand with Comelec in its resolve to file charges against those who intimidated, harassed, and threatened our teachers,” Duterte said.
Earlier, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said that if the teachers “withdrew because they felt an imminent threat to their life, health, and safety,” Comelec should recognize that as a valid reason.
“Such acts of violence and coercion not only jeopardized the safety and security of our educators but also undermined their dedication to service,” Duterte also noted.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia earlier admitted that they do not have a total number yet of those who backed out on election day but expressed the belief that only a few did.
(ai/mnm)
By Vergel Labesig
THE DEPARTMENT of Education underscored the importance of creating a culture of literacy and lifelong learning during this year’s National Literacy Conference held on October 11 at DepEd ECOTECH Center.
“Our goal is to promote functional literacy and ensure that every Filipino possesses the skills and knowledge in real life, equipping individuals with the ability to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and actively participate in the workforce and society,” Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said in her keynote address.
“By investing in education and promoting literacy, we are investing in the future of our country, unlocking the potential of our people, and paving the way for sustainable development and prosperity,” Duterte added.
The conference gathered 500 participants to enhance and provide educational opportunities, advocate for lifelong learning and empower community members in literacy activities.
During the plenary sessions, regional delegates and resource speakers highlighted the role communities play in fostering and promoting literacy skills among learners and individuals.
Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching Gina Gonong said that the agency and various stakeholders could remove the barriers that hinder literacy among the Filipino youth.
“The journey to promote literacy is not without its challenges, but as we come together to share our experiences, knowledge, and innovative approaches, we become a formidable force for change. We are the ones who can break down the barriers to learning whether they be social, economic, or cultural,” Gonong said.
The NLC hopes to increase awareness of key education stakeholders on the current initiatives of the Department and to strengthen intercultural and inclusive teaching and learning practices in an ever-changing education landscape.
Ni Liezelle Soriano
TULUYAN nang inalis ng House of Representatives ang P1.23 bilyong halaga ng confidential funds ng limang ahensiya, kabilang na ang Office of the Vice President (OVP) at Department of Education (DepEd), sa ilalim ng panukalang P5.768-trillion budget para sa 2024.
Sinabi ni House Committee on Appropriations senior vice chairperson Stella Quimbo na nangyari ito matapos sumang-ayon ang House small panel na i-reallocate ang P194 bilyon mula sa panukalang 2024 national budget para sa 2024 — kasama ang P1.23 bilyon na confidential funds.
“Our panel introduced P194 billion worth of institutional amendments. The main goal was to rationalize the allocation of resources to fight inflation, invest in human capital and in our country’s future,” ani Quimbo.
“We believe that the House of Representatives is on the right side of history,” dagdag pa niya.
Bukod sa OVP at DepEd, ang iba pang ahensiya na nawalan ng confidential fund allocation sa ilalim ng panukalang amendments ng Kamara ay ang Department of Agriculture, Department of Information and Communications Technology, at Department of Foreign Affairs.
Ililipat naman ang P1.23 bilyon sa mga sumusunod:
- P300-M sa National Intelligence Coordinating Agency
- P100-M sa National Security Council
- P200-M sa Philippine Coast Guard para sa intelligence activities
- P381.8-M Department of Transportation para sa airport development
Si Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio ang kalihim ng DepEd.
Sa isang pagtitipon sa Butuan City, magugunitang sinikap depensahan ni Duterte-Carpio ang importansiya ng confidential funds.
“I stand before you to shed light on the crucial role of confidential funds in ensuring the security and development of our beloved nation. In the pursuit of progress, it is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our citizens and safeguard the peace and order that underpins our society,” aniya noong 122nd Police Service Anniversary ng Police Regional Office 13 sa Butuan City.
Wala pang komento ang Vice Presidente tungkol sa pinakahuling kaganapan sa confidential funds.
(ai/mnm)
By Vergel Labesig
THE Department of Education on Monday signed an agreement with the Government Service Insurance System to provide better services to teachers.
A memorandum of agreement was signed by Education Secretary Sara Duterte and GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso.
Under the agreement, GSIS will establish express lanes exclusively for teachers and DepEd personnel in the GSIS central office and its regional offices.
“This is particularly useful for teachers assigned in rural or geographically-isolated areas who must travel for hours just to reach the nearest GSIS branch office,” Duterte said.
GSIS will also consider adding a Deped personnel-specific option to its hotline and assign account officers exclusively to address DepEd issues.
“Having a dedicated team of account officers will minimize the time needed to reconcile accounts and speed up the process of addressing premium-related discrepancies and loan-related issues,” Duterte added.
The GSIS also committed to hold annual dialogues to discuss and address GSIS concerns.
“This memorandum of agreement highlights our mutual recognition of teachers as nation-builders,” Duterte said.
MANILA — The Commission on Audit (COA) has highlighted that the Department of Education, led by Vice President Sara Duterte, utilized ₱1.69 billion for its travel expenditures during 2022, a figure that more than doubled compared to the previous year.
As indicated in its annual report, COA stated that DepEd had allocated over ₱805 million for travel expenses in the year 2021.
Within the context of its travel disbursements for 2022, approximately ₱1.68 billion was consumed by domestic trips, while the remaining ₱8.69 million was disbursed for international travel.
Upon analyzing the COA report, it is evident that DepEd allocated a larger portion of its travel budget to local excursions for both years.
State auditors have also raised inquiries about DepEd’s limited investment in educational resources and equipment, particularly in the fields of science, mathematics, and technical-vocational livelihood subjects.
In previous instances, COA has similarly questioned the comparatively modest allocation by DepEd towards learning materials.
For the upcoming year, the Marcos administration has proposed a budget of ₱942.7 billion for DepEd in 2024, encompassing a confidential fund of ₱150 million. (ai/mnm)