Tell SunStar: Suspension of RPMS implementation

By Benjo Basas, Chair of the Teachers Dignity Coalition

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) reiterated its call to the Department of Education (DepEd) field offices to issue instructions suspending the implementation of the Results-Based Performance Management System (RPMS) for the 2023-2024 school year and the filing of related documents such as the Individual Performance Commitment and Review Form (IPCRF) and the Office Performance Commitment and Review Form. This call comes after the DepEd central office ignored teachers’ calls for a unified stance on the matter.

In a letter to all regional directors, I explained: “We are writing to you because the Ministry of Education headquarters remains silent on this matter, despite having sent two letters on June 23 and July 4 asking for clarification. We believe that the headquarters should respond promptly, as there is obvious confusion in this area due to conflicting claims and interpretations.”

Our demand is in line with Executive Order (EO) 61, signed by President Marcos on June 3, which suspends the RPMS and the performance-based incentive system in all government agencies. The order mandates the immediate suspension of all RPMS policies and designates 2023 as the transition year for the performance-based bonus.

The differing instructions in each department compound the confusion that could have been easily resolved had the DepEd responded promptly to formal and even informal requests. Over the weekend, the TDC contacted some regional directors and received at least five positive responses.

We would like to express our gratitude to several Regional Directors and even Superintendents of Schools (SDSs) who have acted decisively and directed their respective jurisdictions to stop the implementation of the RPMS. We commend the actions of the Regional Directors of Region 5, National Capital Region, Region 7, Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 12 and Region 9 on Sunday, July 14.

Meanwhile, Manila SDS Dr. Rita Riddle had already issued a message directing Manila school principals to delay the filing of the RPMS until clear guidelines are issued, a move that was received positively by teachers and school principals alike.

Since EO 61 takes effect immediately, we maintain the suspension of the RPMS in all government sectors, including the DepEd. “It is expressly stated that while the system is under review, all related activities will be put on hold,” said Jim Lester Beleno, a teacher at Roxas High School and spokesperson for TDC Manila.

Beleno appealed to SDSs across the country to follow Riddle’s example, listen to teachers’ pleas and give clear instructions on suspending the implementation of the RPMS.

“Since there is no official statement from DepEd Central, this simple initiative would be a significant gesture to the teachers that would enable them to enjoy the rest of their short vacation,” Beleno added.

Support for the regional directors’ actions also came from school principals, according to Dr. Roland Dela Cruz, president of the National Association of Public Secondary School Heads, Inc. (NAPSSHI). “The postponement of the RPMS implementation is a commendable decision by Director Andaya as it will allow teachers to better prepare for the upcoming school year and enjoy their vacations without having to work on the IPCRF,” Dela Cruz said.

NAPSSHI represents the principals of public primary and secondary schools, who often come into conflict with some teachers due to the lack of clear guidelines from the Ministry of Education.

“I believe in the wisdom of the President that this is for the benefit of our heroic teachers and therefore should be implemented for their benefit. But I hope that after the review under EO 61, the TWG will come up with a better performance evaluation system that is easier to implement, realistic and accurate, and effectively measures the skills and performance of teachers,” Dela Cruz explained.

In previous statements, we proposed returning to the simplified teacher performance appraisal system as a measure of teacher performance in public schools.

This matter requires immediate response especially since teachers are already busy with many tasks related to the National Learning Camp, enrollment period, Matatag curriculum training, Brigada Eskwela and other tasks related to the opening of the next school year.