Students of Pinyahan Elementary School initiate their 'Catch-up Fridays' program by reading storybooks inside their classrooms on January 12, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Department of Education reiterated on Wednesday that public school teachers are not required by law to teach more than 6 hours per day, as it released guidelines to rationalize educators' workload.

The new DepEd memorandum, announced in a release, also said that teachers are eligible for overload pay for up to 2 additional hours per day when they exceed the 6-hour teaching limit.

Meanwhile, when teachers have fewer than 6 hours of actual teaching, they could be assigned teaching-related tasks but should be proportionate to the time available. 

DepEd said teachers performing work beyond their regular 6-hour teaching load may earn vacation service credits.

"These guidelines ensure that teaching overloads are managed transparently, with clear procedures for compensation and equitable workload distribution," DepEd said.

READ: Lack of textbooks, untrained teachers highlight PH education issues, according to study

The agency added that teachers would have flexibility in completing their ancillary or support tasks and gave them the option to perform the tasks inside or outside school premises. 

"Importantly, no additional reporting requirements will be imposed. Instead, teachers will simply track their activities using logbooks, locator slips, or certificates of undertaking," it noted.

Teachers and groups have been calling for a reduction in teachers' workload, saying many are overworked and underpaid, which partly affects teaching quality and student performance. 

Filipino students have been performing poorly in international test assessments, which led to other reforms such as the overhaul of basic education.

READ: Angara says better PISA performance an 'immediate goal'

"By optimizing teachers' workloads and providing fair compensation for additional duties, we are creating a more balanced and sustainable environment for our educators. This will ultimately enhance student learning outcomes," Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in the release.

Angara in July ordered the review of teachers' workload and reportorial requirements in order to avoid burnout.

There are over 8,800 teachers nationwide catering to more than 27 million students, with a teacher shortage reaching 58,000, according to DepEd.

READ: DepEd urged to decentralize hiring of teachers to help address backlogs

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