DepEd to hire 16,000 teachers ahead of new school year

Metro Manila, Philippines - At least 16,000 new teachers will be hired in anticipation of the school opening in June, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Tuesday, May 20.

In a press statement, the agency said the additional manpower would help decongest classrooms and ease teacher workload.

The DepEd said the new hires will address the need for teachers with appropriate specializations, particularly in kindergarten, elementary, and subject-specific areas in junior and senior high school.

In 2024, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) lamented teacher shortage, citing an instance where about half of science teachers did not finish courses related to the discipline.

The DepEd said the new items are part of 20,000 teaching positions with funding under the 2025 budget.

“We thank President Marcos for his firm instruction to prioritize our teachers and learners. These new teaching items directly respond to his call to reduce class sizes and lighten the workload of our educators on the ground,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Meanwhile, the government is creating 10,000 positions for administrative officers to free up teachers of non-teaching tasks.

The new school year 2025-2026 begins on June 16.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report