DepEd Order 7, Series 2023, constitutes a significant shift in the hiring, appointment, and promotion process of both teaching and non-teaching personnel within the Department of Education (DepEd). This policy places a substantial emphasis on an individual’s competencies, merits, and overall qualifications. After all, Filipino learners deserve a quality education, and it is the responsibility of DepEd to ensure that only the best and most qualified individuals are hired and promoted within its ranks.

One of the main goals of DepEd Order 7 is to uphold transparency, fairness, and workplace professionalism in the hiring process. This means that all applicants, regardless of their background or connections, will be given equal opportunities to showcase their skills and qualifications.

It ensures a systematized, performance-based process which promotes transparency and fairness. The order comprises detailed guidelines and criteria, including the publication and posting of vacancies, submission and receipt of application documents, evaluation procedures, and finally, the appointment process. Understanding the nuances of this policy is vital for all stakeholders within the education sector.

Overview

On March 22, 2023, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued the DepEd Order No. 7 Series 2023 to establish systematized guidelines for recruiting, selecting, and appointing school personnel, including those applying for positions in the Central Office, Regional Offices, and School division offices.

To ensure an equal and proper appointment hiring and deployment process, the department issued the DepEd Order 7 Series 2023, which provides specific guidelines for the recruitment, selection, and appointment of teaching and non-teaching personnel. The policy will guide appointing officers/authorities in hiring suitable candidates based on the Initial Evaluation and Comparative Assessment Results performed by the respective HRMOs and HRMPSB.

What is DepEd Order 7 Series 2023

The DepEd Order 7 Series 2023, entitled the “Guidelines on Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment in the Department of Education” highlights the importance of merit and competence to ensure the provision of quality learning. As per the DepEd Merit Selection Plan, this policy ratifies the principles of competence, fitness, merit, accountability, equal opportunity, and competence. DepEd issued this policy, containing specific guidelines, criteria, and procedures to ensure the proper appointment of people suited to fulfill the job.

The policy cited related orders, issuances, rules, and regulations, amended, repealed, or revoked as they are contracting with DepEd Order 7 Series 2023 and its provisions. Therefore, the DepEd Order 7 Series 2023 can help stakeholders perform a standardized and performance-based process in recruiting, selecting, and appointing teaching and non-teaching personnel.

Objectives

By implementing this policy, the department aspires to realize the following:

• Guide personnel and stakeholders in implementing a systematized and performance-based recruitment, selection, and appointment process.
• Ensure the proper deployment of personnel fitted to perform the job.
• Assure that the organization and its workforce are proficient enough to react to the difficulties and opportunities of the present day.
• Provide basic education that is available, suitable, and liberating.

Also Read: DepEd Order 37 Series of 2022: Suspension of Classes Due to Disasters and Calamity

Guidelines on Recruitment, Selection, & Appointment in the Department of Education

Covered & Excluded Positions

Under the DepEd 7 Series 2023, the following must comply with the guidelines of hiring and promoting personnel to positions in the First and Second levels, which includes the executive or managerial positions in the Second level:

• Human Resource Management Officers (HRMOs)
• Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB)
• Central Office (CO), Regional Offices (ROs), Schools Division Offices (SDOs), and schools and community learning centers (CLCs) appointing authorities, officers, applicants, and other stakeholders

Also, DepEd clarified that this policy covers the following positions:

• Teacher I positions in the Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School (JHS), and Senior High School (SHS) levels
• School Administration (SA) positions
• Related-Teaching (RT) positions
• Non-Teaching (NT) positions

Note that this policy covers any new position in the First and Second levels created after the DepEd Order 37 Series 2023 issuance. On the other hand, this order does not govern the following positions:

• Higher teaching positions in the Kindergarten, Elementary, JHS, and SHS
• Career Executive Service (CES) position

Also Read: DepEd Order 40 Series of 2012: Child Protection Policy Philippines

Procedures

A. Publication & Posting of Vacancies

The provisions and implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act (RA) No. 7041 or “An Act Requiring Regular Publication of Existing Vacant Positions in Government Offices, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes” mandates that vacant positions in all levels under the governance of DepEd, including vacant executive or managerial positions in the second-level, be published on the Civil Service Commission (CSC)  website. Also, the vacant positions should be in at least three (3) noticeable places for ten (10) calendar days.

B. Submission & Receipt of Application Documents

Whether internal or external, all interested applicants to vacant positions in DepEd should submit the following requirements to corresponding HRMOs via the Records Division/Section/Unit or Head of Office designated sub-committee on or before the deadline, if applicable:

• Letter of intent addressed to the Head of Office or the designated higher human resource officer
• Duly accomplished PDS (CS Form No. 212, Revised 2017) with Work Experience Sheet
• Photocopy of valid and updated PRC License/ID
• Photocopy of Certificate of Eligibility/Rating
• Photocopy of academic records, such as, but not limited to, Transcript of Records (TOR) and Diploma, including completion of graduate and post-graduate units/degree
• Photocopy of Certificate/s of Training
• Photocopy of Certificate of Employment, Contract of Service, or duly signed Service Record
• Photocopy of latest appointment
• Photocopy of the Performance Rating in the last rating period, which covers one (1) year of performance in the current/latest position before the deadline for submission
• Checklist of Requirements and Omnibus Sworn Statement on the Certification on the Authenticity and Veracity (CAV) of the documents submitted and Data Privacy Consent Form, notarized by authorized official
• Other documents required by the HRMPSB for comparative assessment, including but not limited to:

• • Means of Verification (MOVs) showing Outstanding Accomplishments
  • Application of Education
  • Application of Learning and Development

C. Initial Evaluation of the Qualifications of Applicants

Once HRMO receives the applications, they will conduct an initial evaluation of the applicants, assessing whether or not they meet the minimum qualifications for the requirements of Education, Training, Eligibility, Competency, and Experience. Then, HRMO will prepare a duly signed Initial Evaluation Results (IER), submitted to the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) for deliberation.

D. Comparative Assessment of Applicants

The HRMPSB will then perform an Evaluative Assessment of applicants, determining the most qualified candidates for the vacant position. Since this policy provides the implementation of a systematized and performance-based process, the HRMPSB will implement a Criteria and Point System for Evaluative Assessment for the hiring and promotion of the following positions:

• Teacher I (Kindergarten to Grade 12) positions
• School Administration (SA) positions
• Related-Teaching (RT) positions
• Non-Teaching (NT) positions

E. Appointment

Finally, the appointing officer or authority will use the report provided by the HRMPSB to make sound discretion in selecting the most qualified candidate for appointment. If there are multiple vacant positions, the appointing officer will choose from the top candidates highlighted by the HRMPSB.

Also Read: DepEd Government Programs & Projects for Filipinos 

DepEd Guidelines on Order 7 PDF File Document Download

If you want to view a copy of the full DepEd Order 7 Series 2023, you can download the PDF file here: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2023_007.pdf

This file includes all the guidelines, requirements, and clarifications for the hiring of teaching and non-teaching personnel in DepEd. It is an essential document to read for those applying or promoting within the department. Make sure to understand and follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and fair process for all applicants.

By following these guidelines, DepEd hopes to improve the quality of education in the country by hiring and promoting competent and qualified personnel to serve in their schools.

Video: Clarifications on DepEd Order No. 7 s. 2023 re Hiring of Teachers

To learn more about DepEd Order 7 Series 2023, watch the video below:

As stated in the video, the issuance of DepEd Order 7 Series 2023 raised a lot of implications and questions for teacher applicants, including those already in the service. Since this policy contains new guidelines, the department issued an Omnibus Clarification and Guidance on DepEd Order 7 Series 2023. Under the said clarifications, DepEd disclosed the positions covered by the policy, including its exclusions.

DepEd clarified other matters regarding the hiring arrangements of teachers, from the Status Quo of DOST Scholar Graduates to the Renewal of SHS Teachers. Thus, understanding this policy is essential to teaching and non-teaching personnel, teacher applicants, and other stakeholders.

Summary

In summary, the issuance of DepEd Order 7 Series 2023 is necessary to provide quality education since it focuses on the competence and merit of applicants when appointing, hiring, and promoting teaching and non-teaching personnel. It also provides clear guidelines, criteria, and procedures, which are essential to implement a fair and proper appointment of people. Therefore, the department’s personnel and other stakeholders should ensure the implementation of this policy.

Natural disasters and other calamities are inevitable events that may destroy properties or cause physical hazards. But since these are unforeseen events, it’s essential to be prepared and informed to avoid perils. With that said, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued the DepEd Order 37 Series 2022 to guide students and school personnel in class suspension and cancellation.

This policy contains detailed information on when to suspend or cancel classes in public and private schools in case of typhoons, heavy rainfall, floods, earthquakes, power outages/power interruptions, or brownouts. Moreover, the policy specified the decision-makers to achieve DepEd’s goal to protect students and teaching and non-teaching personnel from the dangers of disasters and natural calamities.

What is DepEd Order 37 Series 2022

The DepEd Order Series 2022 is the “Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools in the Event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Power Interruptions, and Other Calamities.” It is issued to guide the learners and personnel of public and private educational institutions. The policy promotes the safety and protection of learners and school personnel from avoidable physical dangers they may encounter during natural disasters and calamities. Furthermore, this policy protects their constitutional rights to life, health, safety, and property.

Objectives

With the implementation of the DepEd Order 37, the department aims to achieve the following:

• Ensure that learners and school personnel are safe from unnecessary physical dangers caused by natural disasters and calamities.
• Protect learners and school personnel in public and private institutions, constitutional rights to life, health, safety, and property.
• Reduce the health and safety risks caused by disasters and other natural calamities.
• Provide guidance on class and work cancellation or suspension at school during disasters, calamities, or emergencies, which is imperative to preserve the physical and mental well-being of students, pupils, learners, and teaching and non-teaching personnel.

Also Read: DepEd Government Programs & Projects for Filipinos 

Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools

A. Typhoon

During a typhoon, online and in-person classes and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System (ALS) are automatically canceled or suspended, given the school is in Local Government Units (LGUs), where the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

B. Heavy Rainfall

Under the DepEd Order 37, online and in-person classes and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and ALS can be canceled or suspended during heavy rainfall. The automatic cancelation or suspension of classes and work applies to schools located in LGUs where PAGASA issued an Orange and Red Rainfall Warning.

C. Flood

If PAGASA issued a Flood Warning, online and in-person classes and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and ALS are automatically suspended or canceled in schools in the affected areas.

D. Earthquakes

The automatic suspension or cancellation of online and in-person classes and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and ALS applies to schools located in LGUS where the Philippine Institute of Volcanic and Seismology (PHILVOCS) declared an earthquake with PHILVOCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) V or above.

E. Power Outages/Power Interruptions/Brownout

The automatic suspension or cancellation of classes is not applicable during a power outage/power interruption/brownout in the school. On the other hand, school officials can suspend or cancel the classes on their own accord, given the power outage, power interruption, or brownout is causing a poor learning environment.

F. Adjustments to Learning Delivery Due to Suspensions/Cancellation of Classes

In case the classes are suspended or canceled, schools should implement modular distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or make-up classes, ensuring learners still meet the learning competencies and objectives. To conform with the DepEd Order 14 Series 2021, teachers should consider the attendance and completion of learning tasks for learners who miss school activities during class suspension or cancelation due to natural disasters and emergencies.

G. Maintenance of Workforce and Activation of DRRM Teams

Teaching and non-teaching school personnel, including ALS teachers, are not required to report to work, excluding those in safety, security, finance, health, sanitation, engineering, and disaster response. However, schools must prepare to enforce remote work at all times. The Educational institutions and Central, Regional, and School Division Offices should activate their DRRM Teams, preparing them to monitor and respond to disasters and natural calamities.

H. Use of Schools as Evacuation Center or Covid-19 Quarantine and/or Isolation Facility/Vaccination Center

The Office Memorandum OM-Osec-2020-004 revokes the authority of Regional Directors to allow the utilization of schools as quarantine/isolation facilities or vaccination centers. Therefore, schools can no longer utilize it for such purposes. Meanwhile, mobile vaccinations not exceeding two (2) days may be allowed, given it does not interrupt classes or school co-curricular activities. During disasters, LGUs can use schools as immediate evacuation sites for only fifteen (15) days and not as long-term shelters.

I. Conduct of Psychological First Aid

All Schools Division and Regional Offices should assess the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support needs and services and supervise Psychological First Aid (PFA), from mobilizing trained PFA partners and providers to the referral of psychological support services.

J. Responsibility of Parents and Guardians

Above all, DepEd believes that parents or guardians have the utmost responsibility of whether or not their children should attend classes, considering their physical and mental well-being at times of disaster and calamities. It applies even if there is no class suspension or cancellation.

Reminders

• The school should immediately suspend or cancel the classes and work, given it’s safe for everyone to go home if the classes started before the issuance of TCWS, Yellow Rainfall Warning, and Flood Warning. Nonetheless, schools must keep the students and personnel on their premises if it’s unsafe to travel.
• The cancellation or suspension of classes must be decided by the Local Chief Executives wherever there are strong winds, torrential rains, and floods in specific or all areas of the LGUs, even if PAGASA did not issue a TCWS, Yellow Rainfall, or a Flood Warning. The same goes for areas where the PEIS is IV and below.
• Additionally, School Principals can suspend or cancel classes at any Intensity Scale if their building and other structures have damage or risk of collapsing.
• Before allowing the return of students and personnel, the Team Head of School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) should clear the safety of the building and other structures.

DepEd Guidelines on Order 37 PDF File Document Download

If you want to review the full text of DepEd Order 37 Series 2022 in PDF file, you can download it here – https://depedph.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DepEd-Order-37-s.-2022-cancellation-of-classes-due-to-calamity-philippines-full-PDF-File.pdf

Alternatively, we have provided some images of the document below so that you can get a better understanding of its contents and guidelines.

Video: DepEd clarifies policy on suspension of classes | ANC

For more details about DepEd Order 37, please watch the video below:

As stated in the video, classes may be suspended or canceled with the implementation of DepEd Order 37 Series 2022. In the past, students already went to school before a class suspension was issued, causing confusion or further exposure of learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel to the dangers of disasters and natural calamities. Therefore, DepEd Order 37 aims to protect and ensure the safety of learners and school personnel.

DSWD Assistance During Calamities

To underprivileged Filipinos who have been affected by disasters and calamities, aside from the DepEd Order, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers assistance through its Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center.

This center provides emergency supplies such as food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, shelter materials, and other necessary items to affected families. The DSWD also has a Listahanan program that identifies poor households in need of assistance during crises like disasters.

It’s good to be aware of the assistance provided by the government to our fellow Filipinos during times of need. So, let’s stay informed and be prepared for any potential disasters or calamities that may come our way.

Summary

Hence, the DepEd Order 37 Series 2022 provides detailed Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools, which helps educational institutions and LGUs make sound decisions in case of natural disasters, calamities, or power interruptions. Additionally, this policy allows parents and guardians to decide whether or not to send their kids to school, as consideration for their safety. Therefore, we encourage learners, students, parents, guardians, and teaching and non-teaching personnel to understand the DepEd Order 37.

DepEd Order 40 series of 2012, also known as the Child Protection Policy, is a significant step towards protecting children in the Philippines from all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation. It aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for students by promoting positive discipline and fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy.

This Department of Education policy provides a robust framework for preventing, addressing, and rectifying these issues while clearly outlining the duties of all stakeholders involved. It tackles the different types of abuse committed against children. It also contains preventive, protective, and remedial measures to address all forms of child abuse, violence, bullying, discrimination, exploitation, and other similar acts.

The order not only aims to protect children but also seeks to cultivate a nurturing and respectful environment in which every child can thrive. The guidelines cover all educational institutions under the supervision of DepEd, including public and private schools. It also applies to all personnel within these institutions, including teachers, administrators, non-teaching staff, volunteers, and even parents or guardians involved in school activities.

Overview

Children, as the future leaders of society, deserve an environment that fosters growth, encourages exploration, and above all, ensures their safety. However, the sad reality is that many children subjected to various forms of abuse and harm, including in places where they should feel most secure: their homes, parks, and especially schools. Recognizing this, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has taken decisive action to safeguard children’s rights and welfare in educational environments through DepEd Order 40.

This landmark policy is a vital step towards creating a more secure and nurturing environment for children in the Philippines. It provides clear guidelines to help prevent, detect, and address all forms of abuse, violence, bullying, discrimination, exploitation, and other similar acts committed against children in schools.

Violence and abuse against children may happen anywhere, be it at home, park, or even at school. Bullying is another unforgivable act often experienced by school-aged children committed by other students. In the school setting, teaching and non-teaching personnel may also inflict abuse or violence against children as a form of discipline. In some cases, school personnel may commit child exploitation and discrimination. With that said, the Department of Education (DepEd) developed DepEd Order 40 to prevent any form of abuse against children.

What is DepEd Order 40

Also known as the DepEd Child Protection Policy, the DepEd Order 40 Series of 2012 is the proposed action of the Philippine government to protect children in school from abuse, bullying, discrimination, exploitation, violence, and other forms of abuse. Under the 1987 Constitution, the nation must assist in protecting children’s rights, including proper nutrition and care. In addition, the nation shall provide special protection to children from all forms of abuse, cruelty, exploitation, neglect, violence, and other circumstances detrimental to their development.

While cases of abuse are the results of difficult circumstances faced by teaching and non-teaching personnel, DepEd iterates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of child abuse and exploitation. Hence, the Department of Education (DepEd) developed the Child Protection Policy and Guidelines in cooperation with civil society and teacher groups, public and private school representatives, child protection advocates, and other international agencies.

Objectives

Here are the following objectives of DepEd Order 40:

• Protect the rights of children and ensure proper care and nutrition.
• Prevent all forms of abuse, discrimination, exploitation, violence, corporal punishment, and other similar acts against children.
• Protect children from any acts of bullying.
• Encourage educational institutions to promote patriotism, nationalism, love, and respect for humanity.
• Educational institutions should also boost ethical and spiritual values, teach the duties and rights of citizenship, and assist in developing personal discipline and moral character.
• Promote equal opportunity and perform preventive measures to encourage children to attend school regularly and minimize dropout rates.
• Ensure all educational institutions, whether public or private school, have a conducive learning environment for children

Coverage

This policy covers the following individuals:

• Children enrolled in the basic education system
• School personnel, both teaching and non-teaching staff
• School visitors, such as parents and guardians

Meanwhile, the policy and guidelines of this order should be disseminated and implemented by all DepEd personnel, including Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Bureau Directors, Regional Directors, Schools Division, Chiefs of Divisions, Centers, Heads of Unit, and Heads of Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools.

Also Read: DepEd Government Programs & Projects for Filipinos 

DepEd Order 40: Forms of Abuse against Children

With its primary goal to protect the rights of children, DepEd Order 40 aims to prevent the following forms of abuse:

A. Child Abuse

It pertains to child maltreatment, habit or not, such as physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Child abuse also involves emotional maltreatment, cruelty, and neglect. DepEd also considers abuse any act or words that demean or degrade the child’s dignity and worth as a human being. The policy also considers abuse to children the unreasonable deprivation of basic survival needs, like shelter, food, and medical treatment.

B. Discrimination

Under the DepEd Order 40, any act of restriction, preference, distinction, or exclusion based on age, sex, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, politics, opinion, disease, or disability is child discrimination.

C. Child Exploitation

DepEd defines child exploitation as using children for someone else’s profit, advantage, or satisfaction, which often results in cruel, dangerous, or unjust treatment. Any act of exploitation hampers the normal mental or physical health of the child. Moreover, it disrupts their moral, educational, and social-emotional development. It involves cases of misuse, manipulation, or ill-treatment and may be in the form of sexual or economic exploitation.

D. Violence

All types of violence committed against children in schools, whether physical, psychological, or sexual, are covered by this policy. Violence refers to an act, habitual or not, committed by teaching and non-teaching personnel or school administrators, resulting in physical, psychological, or sexual trauma or pain. Other acts of violence are also covered by this policy, such as assault, harassment, coercion, or unlawful detention.

E. Bullying

There are two types of bullying covered in the DepEd Order 40. The first one is bullying or peer abuse. It refers to intentional aggressive behavior directed at a victim who may be weak, younger, with a disability, vulnerable, lacks confidence, or outnumbered. Whether habit or not, an act of bullying committed by a student to another or several students in a place of learning or school setting. This act may result in humiliation, intimidation, harassment, and physical or mental abuse.

The second type is cyberbullying. It refers to the acts of bullying stated in the previous paragraph. But it’s performed using technology or electronics, such as text, chat, instant messaging, email, internet, social media, or other online platforms.

F. Other Acts of Abuse by a Pupil, Student, or Learner

Aside from that, the policy covers other acts of grave abuse committed by a pupil, student, or learner towards another pupil, student, or learner of the same school that doesn’t fall under the definition of bullying.

G. Corporal Punishment

DepEd defines this abuse as a form of punishment or penalty inflicted for an alleged or actual offense imposed by a school administrator, teacher, adult, or child as a means of discipline, control, or training. It may involve degrading, humiliating, or physical punishment, such as beating or hitting a child with or without an instrument, pulling hair, forcing to perform damaging or painful acts, deprivation of physical needs, confinement, verbal abuse, or permanent confiscation of students personal property.

DepEd Guidelines on Order 40 PDF File Document Download

If you want to review the full text of DepEd Order 40, you can download it from the Department of Education website or visit its office in your area. The guidelines are available in PDF format for easy access and dissemination. We have provided the PDF file download here for your convenience here – https://deped-order-40-series-of-2012-child-protection-policy-guidelines-rules.pdf

You can check out the full document file

Difference Between DepEd Order 49 vs DepEd Order 40

If you are wondering what the difference is between DepEd Order 49 and DepEd Order 40, here’s a quick comparison. Both orders aim to protect the rights of children in educational institutions. However, DepEd Order 49 specifically focuses on professionalism for teachers and workforce in the education sector.

Meanwhile, DepEd Order 40 tackles ALL forms of abuse against children and sets guidelines for its prevention and handling within schools. Both orders work hand in hand to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all children in the Philippines.

How DSWD and DepEd Work Together

To successfully implement DepEd Order 40, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) works closely with DepEd. DSWD is responsible for providing social welfare services to children who are victims or at risk of abuse. They also provide support services such as counseling, therapy, and protective custody for abused children.

On the other hand, DepEd is responsible for creating policies and guidelines that promote child protection in schools and implementing these measures in their educational institutions. They also work closely with DSWD to ensure that cases of abuse are properly handled, and necessary interventions are provided to protect the rights and well-being of children.

Together, DSWD and DepEd strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children in the Philippines, free from abuse and discrimination. By working together, they can effectively address cases of child abuse and ensure that every child’s rights are protected. So if you suspect or witness any form of abuse against a child, do not hesitate to report it to DSWD or DepEd immediately.

Video: CHILD PROTECTION POLICY || DEPED ORDER NO. 40 s. 2012

For more information on DepEd Order 40, please watch the video below:

As stated in the video, the Child Protection Policy, mandates the state to assist in protecting children’s rights and offer them special protection from all forms of abuse. This policy encourages educational institutions to instill nationalism, patriotism, and other values, such as love and respect for humanity. This rule also follows the Family Code of the Philippines and Presidential Decree 603. It gives special parental authority to school administrators and teachers, including responsibility for authorized activities within and outside the school premises.

This policy covers children enrolled in the basic education system. It also covers school personnel and visitors, from school heads, teaching, and non-teaching staff to parents, guardians, media, suppliers, or bidders. Additionally, the policy protects children from all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, and other harmful conditions. The policy discusses the duties and responsibilities of relevant institutions and individuals to ensure its implementation.

Summary

In summary, the DepEd Order 40 Series of 2012 is a significant policy in protecting children in the school setting and preventing any abuse against them committed by other students and teaching and non-teaching personnel. Furthermore, it will serve as a guideline to teachers on how to properly educate and positively discipline children without using violence or abuse.

Therefore, school personnel, parents, guardians, and students should learn about the policy, guidelines, and rules to help in the protection of children’s rights.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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)

1. Visit the DepEd LRPO website at https://www.deped.gov.ph/contact-us-2/ to submit a complaint ticket.
2. 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
3. Select all that apply under the Learner Rights and Protection Concern.
4. Enter other Learner Rights and Protection Concerns (not mentioned above).
5. Input the Details of the Complaint/Report.
6. Agree to the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
7. Review the details you’ve provided and click the Submit button.

Via DepEd Division/Regional Office

1. 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
2. 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.
3. File the complaint and submit the requirements to the authorized employee/receiving clerk.
4. Collect the copy of filed documents or complaints.
5. 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.
6. 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 Education

AMENDMENTS 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.