MANILA, Philippines – In a move to allow teachers to focus on their primary role of educating students, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to hire and renew 7,062 school-based Administrative Support Staff under Contract of Service (CoS) arrangements in eligible public schools nationwide.

The initiative is in line with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to improving teachers’ working conditions by reducing their non-teaching tasks. 

These support staff will assist school heads with clerical and administrative duties, ensuring that educators can devote more time to lesson planning and student engagement.

“Our teachers belong in the classroom, not behind paperwork. By ensuring that every school has the necessary support staff, we are taking a concrete step toward making the learning environment more focused, effective, and responsive to the needs of our students,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

The policy follows DepEd Order No. 002, s. 2024, which mandates the immediate removal of administrative duties from teachers, and DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024, which rationalizes their workload and provides guidelines for compensating teaching overload.

DepEd has allocated additional Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds to cover the salaries of these personnel, with compensation based on the prevailing regional minimum wage. 

The contract also includes a 12.5 percent premium, to be paid in tranches.

CoS personnel will assist with school operations, including preparing reports, coordinating school programs and activities, and handling other clerical tasks assigned by the school head. 

Applicants must have at least a Senior High School diploma and basic administrative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to operate office equipment. No prior work experience or training is required.

For those renewing their contracts, performance evaluations conducted by their respective Schools Division Offices (SDOs) will determine their eligibility. New hires will undergo a selection process, including a review of credentials and interviews conducted by school heads and SDOs.

Angara reaffirmed his commitment to easing teachers’ workload, emphasizing that the initiative is a step toward strengthening the education system. 

“By sustaining this initiative, the Department reaffirms its goal of strengthening the education system, recognizing that teachers can best serve students when freed from administrative burdens,” he said.