The Department of Education (DepEd) has committed to assigning approximately 15,000 qualified teachers as principals this year, adding that the process for hiring principals in public schools is currently under review.
DepEd highlighted a report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which revealed that 55% of public schools in the country “operate without principals.”
The report identified several contributing factors, including the reportedly low passing rates for the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH), a high turnover rate of personnel, a shortage of qualified candidates, and the “onerous” qualification processes.
Additionally, the agency, referencing EDCOM II’s findings, pointed to the lack of sufficient mentoring, coaching, and formal induction programs.
To address these issues promptly, DepEd stated that the 7,916 NQESH passers in 2024 will be assigned to fill the vacant principal positions.
The department will also issue interim guidelines “to ensure that principals detailed to offices return to their assigned schools.”
“These guidelines will also facilitate the reassignment of surplus principal positions to schools in need,” the department stated.
According to the report, the DepEd will reclassify 14,761 Head Teachers (I-V) to School Principal I as part of the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression Policy.
Approximately 954 Head Teachers VI and Assistant School Principal II positions will be renamed to School Principal I.
“Under this process, acting school heads will be prioritized as ‘on-stream candidates,’ ensuring a faster promotion to principal roles. Eligible personnel undergoing retitling will also secure their rightful positions as principals in their designated schools,” the DepEd said.
These plans are intended to establish a 1:1 principal-to-school ratio by 2026, with the Department of Education also aiming to implement the School Organizational Structure and Staffing Standards.
“An additional 5,870 School Principal I positions will also be created to support this initiative,” the report read.