Philippine Education System
Lesson 5 of 5 - K-12 Program, DepEd Policies & Education Laws
Understanding Philippine Education
The Philippine education system is governed by various laws and policies that define its structure, administration, and standards. For the LET, you must understand the legal framework that shapes education in the country.
Key Laws to Remember
- R.A. 10533 - Enhanced Basic Education Act (K-12)
- R.A. 9155 - Governance of Basic Education Act
- R.A. 7836 - Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act
- R.A. 4670 - Magna Carta for Public School Teachers
K-12Enhanced Basic Education (R.A. 10533)
Structure of K-12
| Level | Years | Ages | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 1 year | 5-6 | Mandatory pre-primary |
| Elementary | 6 years | 6-12 | Grades 1-6 |
| Junior High | 4 years | 12-16 | Grades 7-10 |
| Senior High | 2 years | 16-18 | Grades 11-12 |
Senior High School Tracks
Academic Track
- ABM - Accountancy, Business & Management
- HUMSS - Humanities & Social Sciences
- STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
- GAS - General Academic Strand
TVL Track
- Agri-Fishery Arts
- Home Economics
- Industrial Arts
- ICT - Information & Communications Technology
Sports Track
For students with athletic talents pursuing careers in sports
Arts & Design Track
For students pursuing careers in creative arts and design
K-12 Curriculum Features
- Spiral Progression - Topics revisited with increasing complexity
- Mother Tongue-Based - Instruction in L1 (Grades 1-3)
- Contextualization - Content adapted to local context
- Decongested - Focus on essential competencies
🏛️DepEd Governance (R.A. 9155)
Key Principles of R.A. 9155
Shared Governance
Partnership between national and local government, schools, and community
School-Based Management
School as the heart of formal education; empowered to make decisions
Accountability
Clear roles and responsibilities at all levels
Transparency
Open communication and reporting to stakeholders
DepEd Organizational Structure
| Level | Head | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Central Office | Secretary | Policy, standards, national programs |
| Regional Office | Regional Director | Implementation, coordination, M&E |
| Division Office | Schools Division Superintendent | Local implementation, supervision |
| District | District Supervisor | Cluster coordination, support |
| School | School Head/Principal | School operations, learning outcomes |
School Head Responsibilities (R.A. 9155)
- Instructional leadership and supervision
- Curriculum implementation and improvement
- Personnel management and development
- Resource management (financial, physical)
- Community partnership and linkages
⚖️Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers
Adopted in 1997, the Code of Ethics provides the standards of ethical and professional conduct for teachers in the Philippines.
Articles of the Code
Article I - Scope & Limitations
Applies to all teachers in public and private schools
Article II - Teacher & the State
Loyalty to Republic, support for Constitution & laws
Article III - Teacher & the Community
Respect community values, participate in community affairs
Article IV - Teacher & the Profession
Uphold honor and dignity of the profession
Article V - Teacher & the Teaching Community
Collegiality, mutual support, professional growth
Article VI - Teacher & Higher Authorities
Respect for authority, loyalty to school policies
Article VII - School Officials & Teachers
Fair treatment, due process, professional conduct
Article VIII - Teacher & Learners
Welfare of students paramount, no discrimination
Article IX - Teacher & Parents
Partnership, open communication, mutual respect
Article X - Teacher & Business
No commercial transactions with students
Article XI - Teacher as a Person
Personal conduct, moral character, role model
Article XII - Disciplinary Action
Penalties for violations, due process
📜Key Education Laws
R.A. 7836 - Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994
Purpose: Strengthen regulation of teaching profession, create Board for Professional Teachers
- Requires LET for teaching license
- Creates Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) oversight
- Board for Professional Teachers administers LET
- Defines qualifications for teaching positions
- License renewal every 3 years with CPD units
R.A. 4670 - Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (1966)
Purpose: Promote and improve social and economic status of public school teachers
- Normal teaching hours: 6 hours actual teaching
- Additional compensation for work beyond normal load
- Consent required for additional assignment
- Study leave for professional development
- Medical examination free and compulsory
- Teachers' organizations right to organize
R.A. 9293 - Amending R.A. 7836 (2004)
Key Amendments:
- LET passers obtain Certificates of Registration and Professional ID
- Allowed special permit for teachers in critical areas
- Clarified qualifications for professional teachers
R.A. 10157 - Kindergarten Education Act (2012)
- Institutionalizes kindergarten as mandatory
- One year of kindergarten before Grade 1
- Part of basic education
- Uses mother tongue-based instruction
B.P. 232 - Education Act of 1982
Provides the framework for:
- Rights of students and parents
- Duties of teachers and school administrators
- Support systems for education
- Penalties and sanctions
Quick Reference: Laws Summary
| Law | Year | Also Known As | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| R.A. 10533 | 2013 | Enhanced Basic Education Act | K-12 implementation |
| R.A. 9155 | 2001 | Governance of Basic Education Act | DepEd structure, SBM |
| R.A. 7836 | 1994 | Teachers Professionalization Act | LET, licensure |
| R.A. 4670 | 1966 | Magna Carta for Public School Teachers | Teacher rights, welfare |
| R.A. 10157 | 2012 | Kindergarten Education Act | Mandatory kindergarten |
| B.P. 232 | 1982 | Education Act of 1982 | Educational framework |
📋Important DepEd Orders
DO 8, s. 2015
Classroom Assessment for K-12 Basic Education Program
DO 42, s. 2016
Policy Guidelines on Daily Lesson Preparation
DO 40, s. 2012
Child Protection Policy
DO 21, s. 2019
Policy Guidelines on K-12 Basic Education Program (Updated)
Key Terms & Acronyms
SBM - School-Based Management
LET - Licensure Examination for Teachers
PRC - Professional Regulation Commission
BPT - Board for Professional Teachers
CPD - Continuing Professional Development
MOOE - Maintenance & Other Operating Expenses
ALS - Alternative Learning System
SPED - Special Education
MTB-MLE - Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
SGC - School Governing Council
LET Exam Tips for Philippine Education
Common Question Types
- Identify which R.A. covers specific provisions
- Match law with its popular name
- Identify roles in DepEd structure
- Code of Ethics article applications
Must Remember
- R.A. 4670: 6 hours teaching load
- R.A. 7836: Creates LET and BPT
- R.A. 9155: School is heart of education
- K-12: 13 years of basic education