Teachers Overworked Despite Hiring of Administrative Officers, EDCOM 2 Reports

EDCOM 2 Report Highlights Teachers’ Administrative Burden and DepEd’s Efforts to Alleviate Workload

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has brought to light a significant challenge faced by educators in the Philippines: an overwhelming administrative workload. Despite measures already in place, including the hiring of administrative officers (AOs), the report reveals that two out of three teachers still exceed the standard 40-hour workweek due to excessive paperwork. This issue has not only diminished the time teachers can dedicate to classroom instruction but has also contributed to heightened stress levels within the profession.

A closer look at the situation reveals that teachers are encumbered by redundant administrative tasks, such as the repeated submission of identical data to different Department of Education (DepEd) offices. These inefficiencies divert attention from their core responsibilities—teaching and mentoring students—and undermine their well-being. As a result, many educators find themselves juggling dual roles, which impacts both the quality of education and their own mental health.

Current Measures: The Role of Administrative Officers

In an effort to address this pressing issue, DepEd has taken steps to hire 24,519 AOs to manage the administrative workload. While this initiative has been a step in the right direction, EDCOM 2 highlights that the current number of AOs falls short of the needs, especially in larger schools with greater administrative demands. These gaps have left many teachers continuing to shoulder a significant portion of the paperwork.

Compounding the issue is the fact that some AOs themselves are reportedly overwhelmed by their responsibilities, with concerns about resignations adding another layer of complexity. This underscores the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable solution to address both teacher and AO workloads.

Proposed Solutions: Budget Expansion and System Streamlining

To build on its efforts, DepEd has proposed a ₱6.8 billion budget aimed at hiring an additional 20,000 AOs between 2025 and 2026. This budget increase reflects the department's acknowledgment of the scale of the challenge and its commitment to easing the administrative burden on teachers. By allocating resources to hire more AOs, DepEd hopes to create a more supportive environment where teachers can focus on their primary role—educating students.

In addition to expanding the AO workforce, education stakeholders are advocating for the streamlining of administrative processes. Reducing redundant tasks and implementing efficient digital solutions are seen as critical steps toward a more effective system. For instance, centralized databases, automated reporting tools, and user-friendly platforms could minimize repetitive paperwork, freeing up valuable time for educators.

The Broader Implications

The findings of EDCOM 2 and the subsequent response from DepEd highlight the broader challenges facing the education sector in the Philippines. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation, and their ability to perform at their best hinges on having the right support systems in place. Addressing administrative inefficiencies is not just about easing workload—it’s about creating an environment where educators can thrive, students can benefit from enhanced instruction, and the education system as a whole can progress.

Moving forward, collaboration among government agencies, schools, and education advocates will be crucial. By prioritizing the well-being of teachers and optimizing administrative processes, the Philippines can take a significant step toward strengthening its education sector and ensuring that no teacher is left behind in the journey to provide quality education.