What it is
The Department of Education (DepEd) has proposed changes to speed up services for schools in remote areas. The plan involves establishing new Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and setting up interim offices.
Key points
- The proposal includes 13 new SDOs and 15 interim offices.
- DepEd analyzed the 221 current division offices, and nine provinces were identified as needing management system changes due to the vastness of their areas and travel difficulties.
- The restructuring aims to reduce delays in administrative processes and bring educational leadership, payroll administration, and instructional support closer to teachers and school heads.
- The DepEd has outlined four tracks (A, B, C, and D) based on the size and needs of each division to implement the new blueprint.
Who is affected
The changes are intended for schools located in distant islands and mountainous regions across the country. Specific provinces mentioned as having heavy administrative burdens include Bohol, Palawan, Masbate, Quezon, Cebu, Leyte, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Cagayan.
What teachers should do
The DepEd is planning to collaborate with Congress to update Republic Act 9155, also known as the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001. The DepEd is also planning to coordinate with local governments regarding facilities for the new offices.
Source
Official source: deped.gov.ph