July 31, 2024 - The Department of Education (DepEd) is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers nationwide, with only 9% of the 22,323 vacant teaching positions filled, according to a department official.
During a House Committee on Appropriations oversight hearing on Tuesday, July 30, DepEd Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development Wilfredo Cabral revealed that 22% of the vacant positions are currently undergoing the hiring process.
To address the issue, DepEd issued a memorandum order last year directing regional directors and school division superintendents to develop catch-up plans to fill the teaching vacancies.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro highlighted the existence of 9,673 vacant non-teaching positions, primarily for administrative officers and assistants.
This significant teacher shortage raises concerns about the quality of education and the workload of existing teachers.