Public school teachers across the country are beginning to feel the long-awaited reprieve as the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Tuesday a 57-percent reduction in classroom paperwork under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The streamlining of requirements was formalized through DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2025, cutting the number of school forms that all teachers must regularly complete from 174 to just five, according to a news release.

Additional 31 forms are designated for ancillary tasks, and 39 more for teaching-related assignments, depending on teachers’ workload designations under DepEd Order No. 5, s. 2024.

Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative reflects the DepEd’s commitment to prioritizing both learner outcomes and teacher welfare.

“We’re clearing the runway so teachers can fly. This is our declaration that meaningful learning and teacher well-being go hand in hand,” he said, noting that this move will benefit more students as well.

“For the first time in years, I can really focus on teaching and guiding my students,” Mark Anthony Asis, a teacher from Camarines Norte, said. “I no longer spend hours just filling out forms. Now I can use that time to prepare for classes and give feedback to learners.”

Jenalyn Trance of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Iloilo City said collaboration and professional development both improved.

“We have more time to share best practices, participate in team teaching and join development activities that enhance our skills,” she said, as quoted by DepEd.

“We’ve become more flexible in our teaching strategies and can maintain effective instruction and coaching, even with fewer forms to accomplish,” Catherine Fajardo, teacher at Santa Maria of Camarines Sur National High School, said. (PNA)