In 2003, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines issued a directive, DO 12, s. 2003, reiterating its policy on the renaming of schools. This came in response to numerous requests received by the Central Office for renaming schools, often accompanied by incomplete or insufficient documentation to support the proposed name change.
The Evolution of the Policy
The policy on renaming schools has evolved over the years, with several key issuances shaping its current form:
DECS Order No. 5, s. 1989: This order states that a public high school may be renamed through a resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlalawigan endorsing the change and the adoption of a new name for the school. It mandates that the proposed name should not be that of a living person, nor should it be similar to the name of another school within the same political subdivision. Furthermore, the proposed name should not be contrary to law, morals, or public policy.
DECS Order No. 108, s. 1991: This order discourages the indiscriminate renaming of public schools and colleges after individuals. Such actions tend to create confusion and cause these schools to lose their identity, especially among alumni who hold a particular attachment to the school’s original name.
DECS Memorandum No. 386, s. 1999: This memorandum quotes the provision of R.A. 7160, otherwise known as the “1991 Local Government Code,” which supersedes DECS Order No. 5, s. 1989. Under the Code, the Local School Board can recommend to the Local Sanggunian the change of name of the school, and the Local Sanggunian enacts an ordinance on the change. Therefore, approval of the Secretary is no longer necessary on the matter.
Ensuring Effective and Relevant Decisions
To ensure effective and relevant decisions on requests for changing the name of schools, the policy reiterates that a copy of the recommendation of the local school board should accompany the ordinance of the local sanggunian. This should then be forwarded to the National Historical Institute through the Office of the Secretary, DepEd Central Office.
Strict compliance with these guidelines is directed to all concerned parties. This reiteration of the policy aims to streamline the process of renaming schools, uphold the identity and history of educational institutions, and ensure that any changes align with the law, public policy, and the sentiments of the school community.
Download DepEd Order No. 12, Series 2003 here.