📜 DepEd Memorandum No. 040, s. 2025: Updated Composition of the Department of Education Committee on Anti-Red Tape

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued DepEd Memorandum No. 040, s. 2025, updating the composition of its Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART) to ensure compliance with Republic Act (RA) No. 11032—the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. 📚

Let’s dive deep into the latest updates to promote efficient, transparent, and corruption-free services in the Philippine education sector!

🏛️ Background of DepEd Memorandum No. 040, s. 2025

In line with RA 11032 and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Memorandum Circular No. 2023-08, DepEd has revised its CART composition both at the Central Office and in field offices. This move strengthens the department’s commitment to fighting bureaucratic delays and improving service delivery across all levels.

👥 New Composition of the DepEd CART (Central Office)

At the DepEd Central Office (CO), the CART is now composed as follows:

Chairperson: Secretary of Education
Vice Chairperson: Executive Committee (ExeCom) in charge of Human Resource and Organizational Development
Members:
- ExeCom for Senior Personnel Oversight and Head of Procuring Entity (HoPE)
- ExeCom for Government Relations, Field Operations, and Infrastructure Oversight
- ExeCom for Strategic Management
- ExeCom for Legal and Legislative Affairs
- ExeCom for Information and Communication Technology Service (ICTS)
- Public Affairs Service (PAS)
- Head of Office and one permanent employee from each CO office
Secretariat: BHROD-Organization Effectiveness Division (BHROD-OED)

This reorganization ensures a Whole-of-Government Approach to service delivery. 🤝

🏫 Updated Sub-CART Composition for Field Offices and Schools

The structure for the DepEd Sub-CART at various levels includes:

🏢 Regional Offices:

Chairperson: Regional Director
Members: Representatives from the Administrative Division, ICT Unit, Legal Unit, Public Affairs Unit, and Quality Assurance Division.

🏫 Schools Division Offices:

Chairperson: Schools Division Superintendent
Members: Representatives from Administrative Service, ICT, Legal, and Schools Governance and Operations Division.

🏫 Schools:

Chairperson: School Head
Members: Nonteaching personnel

A separate issuance will soon guide the formal designation of these Sub-CARTs. 📜

🎯 Key Responsibilities of DepEd CART and Sub-CARTs

The CART will lead the way in:

Reengineering Systems and Procedures 🔧
Streamlining and Digitization 💻
Implementing a Whole-of-Government Approach
Conducting Regulatory Management System and Regulatory Impact Assessment
Maintaining a Citizen’s Charter 🏛️
Enforcing a Zero Contact Policy
Adopting client-centered working schedules 🕒
Setting up a Public Assistance and Complaints Desk 📞
Ensuring client feedback mechanisms and satisfaction measurement
Promoting knowledge transfer on ARTA-related trainings
Disseminating educational materials on RA 11032

Their ultimate goal: reduce bureaucratic red tape and enhance public trust in government services. 🙌

🔗 Additional Tasks for CART and Sub-CARTs

Aside from regular functions, they are also expected to:

Coordinate directly with ARTA and stakeholders 🧩
Facilitate compliance with RA 11032 mandates like the Citizen's Charter and the Zero Backlog Program
Lead, fund, and support programs related to service efficiency
Provide technical assistance and promote awareness initiatives

These extra tasks guarantee that every school and office becomes a beacon of good governance. 🌟

🗃️ DepEd CART Secretariat Functions

The Secretariat, based in the BHROD-OED, will:

Provide administrative assistance 🖇️
Maintain the communication channels and database 📂
Monitor compliance status with RA 11032

🖥️ Online Orientation for RA 11032 Compliance

An online orientation will be conducted by the third quarter of 2025 to boost understanding and observance of RA 11032 at all DepEd governance levels. This initiative will empower all stakeholders to be champions of excellent service delivery. 🚀