THE DEPARTMENT of Education clarified that there is no “auto-pass” policy in the public school system.

“Wala pong policy ang DepEd na automatic na pagpasa sa mga estudyante,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

“But we have to admit—some features of our system that we inherited may be putting quiet pressure on schools and teachers to promote students,” he added.

“That’s something we are determined to correct,” he emphasized.

Angara also explained that performance-based evaluations within DepEd are guided by a broader, more holistic set of indicators, including Performance, Process, Financial, and Citizen/Client Satisfaction Results.

“When school-level success is measured mainly by how many students move up, and when teachers feel that their own evaluations and promotions depend on that too, then we can’t be surprised if the system bends in that direction,” he said. “That’s not a flaw in the people, but a flaw in the design.”

The Department reaffirmed its commitment to improving literacy and foundational skills, and it is undertaking a comprehensive review of its assessment, remedial, and promotion policies.