The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to streamline its administrative functions with the release of DepEd Order No. 018, s. 2024, dated December 13, 2024. This order addresses the delegation of signing authority for foreign travel—a move aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring the seamless execution of DepEd’s mandates.
Why Delegate Authority?
In large organizations like DepEd, efficiency is key. The Revised Administrative Code and Republic Act No. 9155 empower the Secretary of Education to delegate authority to department officials. This framework allows the Department to:
- Optimize decision-making processes.
- Ensure swift approval of essential matters.
- Focus the Secretary’s attention on high-level priorities.
The revised order updates the roles and responsibilities outlined in earlier directives, such as DepEd Order No. 1, s. 2023, and DepEd Order No. 15, s. 2024.
Key Changes Introduced in the Order
Delegation to Specific Officials by Hierarchy
The order assigns specific signing authorities for foreign travel approvals, depending on the office, position, and personnel involved. Here’s a quick breakdown:- Central Office: Approvals by relevant Undersecretaries (Usecs) and Assistant Secretaries (Asecs).
- Regional Office: Regional Directors (RDs) and Assistant Regional Directors (ARDs) take charge, with guidance from Usecs.
- Schools Division Offices and Schools: School Division Superintendents (SDS) and Regional Directors (RDs) hold approving power for school-level personnel.
Specific Functions by Levels
Each layer of governance, from central to school level, is empowered to recommend or approve travel decisions based on the rank and nature of personnel requests.Flexibility of Authority
While the delegation structure is clear, the Secretary retains ultimate authority and may override or directly approve any foreign travel request if deemed necessary.
Why This Matters for DepEd
The delegation of authority reflects a responsive and adaptive governance approach. By decentralizing decision-making:
- Efficiency improves: Approvals for foreign travel can proceed without unnecessary bottlenecks.
- Focus is streamlined: Senior officials can prioritize strategic issues while middle management handles operational matters.
- Service continuity is assured: Empowering officials at various levels ensures the uninterrupted flow of public service.
Safeguards and Accountability
The order ensures that delegation remains accountable and aligned with DepEd’s overall vision. Provisions are in place to:
- Uphold the integrity of approvals.
- Repeal or amend any conflicting rules to maintain consistency.
Additionally, this delegation aligns with DepEd’s broader goal of strengthening human resources and organizational development across all administrative levels.
Immediate Implementation
DepEd Order No. 018, s. 2024, is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice. Its swift dissemination ensures that officials across the country are informed and prepared to adapt to these changes.
A Step Toward a More Agile DepEd
By instituting a refined delegation of authority for foreign travel approvals, DepEd reaffirms its commitment to efficient governance. The measure not only optimizes the internal workflow but also exemplifies how policy adjustments can drive public service excellence.
As DepEd continues to evolve, initiatives like this remind us that even administrative reforms can have a profound impact on the Department’s ability to deliver quality education to millions of learners across the Philippines.