In the realm of education, professionalism and integrity hold paramount importance. To strengthen these values within its system, the Department of Education (DepEd) introduced Order 49 Series of 2022 – Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services. This is an amendment to DepEd Order 47 that endeavors to safeguard the educational environment from political influences and promote professionalism among its personnel. This Order greatly impacts teachers and all education personnel, aiming to maintain a balanced and focused academic atmosphere. The following points outline the key aspects and implications of DepEd Order 49, providing a comprehensive understanding of this amendment’s objectives and reach.
This order, like others before it, is designed to establish protocols, provide guidelines, and convey important updates related to the education sector. In the sections that follow, we will delve deeper into the specifics of this order, explaining its purpose, its core components, and its implications for educators, students, and parents alike.
Overview
When the COVID-19 health crisis struck, it resulted in millions of deaths and inflicted the global economy. Aside from drastic lifestyle changes, it affected children’s education, preventing them from experiencing the traditional school setting. However, with the help of technology, the Department of Education (DepEd) Philippines facilitated full distance learning, which allowed students to study at home. DepEd also approved social media utilization, allowing communication between educators and learners. That’s why the agency issued the DepEd Order 49 Series of 2022.
The controversial order puts a boundary on the relationship between students and teachers. It also emphasizes the responsible use of social media, preventing teachers from communicating and having relationships with their students outside the school premises. In addition, it encourages DepEd personnel to practice and treat their colleagues and students with professionalism. The DepEd Order 49 also prevents DepEd personnel from partaking in any political activities to ensure the fair provision of basic education programs and services.
What is the DepEd Order 49 Series of 2022: Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services
Signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on November 2, the DepEd Order 49 Series of 2022, or the “Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services” advocates efficient and effective DepEd programs and policies. It’s a revision of the DepEd Order 47 Series of 2022, which adds provisions on employment and personnel relations, including the responsible use of social media. The DepEd Order 49 aims to bolster the professionalism of personnel and incorporate it in all areas of practice and work within the department.
According to DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa, its issuance mandates that DepEd personnel must treat learners and colleagues with the highest degree of professionalism. Furthermore, it aims to depoliticize the department, preventing its personnel from engaging in political activity, influence, or connection. But DepEd Order 49 only reminds personnel to observe proper and existing civil service rules. It also encourages teachers to raise concerns and issues about basic education through appropriate and formal methods without utilizing a third-party or political accommodation or intervention.
Objectives
DepEd Order 49 is centered on the promotion of professionalism within the Department of Education (DepEd). The key objectives are as follows:
- Non-partisanship: DepEd officials and employees are discouraged from engaging in partisan activities, seeking endorsements or interventions from outside entities, or soliciting actions from politicians, unless explicitly allowed by law or partnership agreements.
- Upholding Professional Conduct: In line with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, DepEd personnel are expected to exhibit the highest degree of professionalism, respect for others, and impartial decision-making. They should avoid any relationships or activities that could impair objective judgement or compromise the integrity of the Department.
- Prudent use of Social Media and Email: Employees must respect legal restrictions and department rules when using social media, being cautious not to spread false information or launch online attacks against colleagues. Also, DepEd email addresses should only be used for work-related activities, not personal social media accounts.
Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in the denial of requests or appeals within the Office of the Secretary.
Target Audience: Teachers & Education Personnel
DepEd Order 49, an amendment promoting professionalism and independence from political activities among educators, targets primarily the personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines. To better understand its reach and implications, key points are outlined below:
- The order aims to maintain a non-partisan environment within DepEd, keeping its operations free from any political influence.
- It serves as a reminder for the teaching and non-teaching staff to deliver their duties promptly, fairly, and with courtesy.
- It discourages inappropriate social media interactions between educators and learners outside of the school setting unless they are relatives.
- However, communication between educators and learners through social media platforms within the context of distance learning due to COVID-19 is permitted, provided professional boundaries are respected.
- Given its responsibility to ensure student safety, the order emphasizes that educators should avoid political entanglements and focus on their primary duty of teaching.
- The release of this amendment follows incidents of alleged sexual harassment and a case where a student fatally stabbed a teacher, highlighting the need for clear professional boundaries.
How to Report Abuse in the Classroom
If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse and violence from any DepEd personnel, whether teaching or non-teaching staff, you may report the incident to the Office of the Secretary. You may email your complaints to depedabusereport@gmail.com or call the following numbers:
- 8633-1942
- 8635-9817
- 0995-9218461 (open even after working hours)
Note: DepEd understands that reporting any experience of violence or sexual abuse may bring fear and embarrassment to victim-survivors. To protect learners, your personal information and the nature of the reports will remain confidential. Therefore, learners are encouraged to report these perpetrators to end violence and sexual abuse in schools.
Via DepEd LRPO
Formerly the Child Protection Unit, the DepEd launched the Learner Rights Protection Office (LRPO) and Telesafe Contact Center Helpline to protect children from exploitation, sexual abuse, and violence. Also, the helpline will address concerns regarding victim shaming, harsh physical punishment, or backlash.
For incidents of abuse, bullying, and exploitation committed against students within the school setting, report it to LRPO via email at weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph. You may also contact the DepEd Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline through the following:
- 8637-2306
- 8632-1372
- 0945-1759777
How to Submit a Complaint Ticket to DepEd LRPO (Online)
- Visit the DepEd LRPO website at https://www.deped.gov.ph/contact-us-2/ to submit a complaint ticket.
- Fill out the following required information:
- Complaint’s name (but you may remain anonymous)
- Email address
- Mobile Number/Landline
- Type of Concern
- Name of School
- Schools Division Office
- Region
- Select all that apply under the Learner Rights and Protection Concern.
- Enter other Learner Rights and Protection Concerns (not mentioned above).
- Input the Details of the Complaint/Report.
- Agree to the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
- Review the details you’ve provided and click the Submit button.
Via DepEd Division/Regional Office
- Prepare the following requirements:
- Four (4) copies of the Verified Affidavit of Complaint containing the following:
- Complainant’s full name and address
- Full name, address, position, and office in DepEd of the person complained
- Narration of relevant and material facts, showing the acts/omissions allegedly committed by the person
- Certified true copies of affidavits and documentary evidence of witnesses, if any
- Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping
- Four (4) copies of the Verified Affidavit of Complaint containing the following:
- Visit the Division Office to file a complaint against a non-teaching staff. For filing a complaint against a teaching/teaching-related staff, head to the Division or Regional Office.
- File the complaint and submit the requirements to the authorized employee/receiving clerk.
- Collect the copy of filed documents or complaints.
- Within one (1) day, the Legal Unit will prepare an actionable document to endorse the complaint against the teaching or non-teaching personnel and proceed to investigation.
- Afterward, DepEd will address the complaint based on the investigation results and applicable resolution.
DepEd Order 49 PDF File Full Document
If you would like to access the full document of DepEd Order 49, it is available for download in PDF form on the official website of DepEd. Here is the link to the document below:
PDF Document – https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DO_s2022_049.pdf
Alternatively, you can check out the official PDF file information image below so you can have a better understanding of the content as per release by the Department of Education:
Video: DepEd Teachers Boundaries with Students
To learn more about the DepEd’s policies and initiatives in ensuring that there is child protection and boundaries with learners, watch this video featuring the provisions of the said policy. It also talks about having integrity and professionalism all throughout as an educator:
Summary
Overall, the issuance of DepEd Order 49 Series of 2022 promotes professionalism among DepEd personnel. The order reminds DepEd teaching and non-teaching personnel to treat their colleagues professionally and maintain their boundaries with learners. Furthermore, it prevents educators from having biases in their students and removes political influences within the department. Most of all, it prevents unwanted incidents from happening to learners and educators by maintaining their student-teacher relationships within the school setting.
Full Document Provisions Reference
For your reference, here’s the full guidelines and memo of the said Order 49 below:
Republic of the Philippines
Department of EducationAMENDMENTS TO DEPED ORDER NO. 047, S. 2022
(Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services)
To:
- Undersecretaries Assistant Secretaries
- Bureau and Service Directors Regional Directors
- Schools Division Superintendents
- Public Elementary and Secondary School Heads All Others Concerned
1. The Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services has been issued as DepEd Order (DO) No. 047, s. 2022. To further strength n professionalism within the Department and integrate it in all areas of work and practice in the Department, DO 047, s. 2022 is amended to include additional provisions on employment and personnel relations, as well as the responsible us of social media.
2. Item numbers 1-4 of DO 047, s. 2022 on the Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services, are amended and shall be read as follows:
1. It is the policy of DepEd to promote effective and efficient policies and programs. To realize this, DepEd should be free from any partisan activities. As such, this Office reminds the officials and. employees to practice the highest form of professionalism and. to observe the following measures:
a. Refrain from seeking endorsements, recommendations, contributions, support, consideration, political accommodations, or any form of intervention from other government personnel or similar entities outside of DepEd;
b. Desist from soliciting favorable actions from politicians to facilitate the implementation of programs, projects, or activities, except those covered by the Adopt-a-School Program, initiated by the local government units, funded. by the Special .Education Fund (SEF), or covered by partnership agreements and/or allowed by law;
c. Refrain from requesting or obtaining support or endorsement from any third party in the hiring, transfer, promotion, removal, or any other personnel movement;
d. Follow the internal rules and regulations of the Department on protocols relative to communication, correspondence, and other appropriate work processes; and
e. Raise issues and concerns regarding basic education via formal and appropriate DepEd channels, either directly to the Office of the Secretary or through the concerned Assistant Secretary or Undersecretary, without resorting to any political or third-party intervention or accommodation.
Failure to comply with any of the above mentioned acts shall mean outright denial of any request or appeal for consideration in the Office of the Secretary.
2. In defining acceptable norms of conduct and relationships in DepEd, officials and employees are reminded of the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, in line with this, DepEd officials and employees are expected to observe the following:
a. Treat and approach DepEd. colleagues, employees, learners and stakeholders with the highest degree of professionalism, skill, and excellence;
b. Respect the rights of others and refrain from doing any act that is contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public policy, public order, public safety, and public interest;
c. Serve and perform one’s duties and responsibilities in a prompt, courteous, and fair manner;
d. Refrain from engaging in any activity or any relationship that may impair one’s ability in making objective decisions in the performance of his/her job functions;
e. Avoid relationships, interaction, and communication, including following social media with learners outside of the school setting, except if they are relatives;
f. Desist from any act that may compromise one’s integrity as a government employee and that may compromise the honor of the DepEd.
3. Employees and officials must consider the legal restrictions imposed by existing statutes, rules, and DepEd Orders in the use of social media. Whether it be for personal use of the DepEd official or employee, or as an essential or an incidental tool in carrying out their mandate, social media rules should be complied with. As such, employees and officials of the DepEd:
a. Shall exercise caution when sharing posts or other contents and should not participate in the spreading of rumors and false information;
b. Shall not unduly post online attacks against fellow DepEd employees and must utilize legal and human resource mediation procedures; and
c. Shall not disparage DepEd and must always be mindful of the reputation and honor of the organization.
4. The use of DepEd email addresses shall only be for work-related subscriptions and applications. In no case shall the DepEd email address be used for any personal social media account, profile, or activity.
3. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed.