VICE PRESIDENT and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio stood firm on her decision to remove wall decorations inside the classrooms, including educational materials.

DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa said that the secretary’s order is for classrooms to be clean, orderly and functional.

“I know that President Marcos and all other former presidents, Jose Rizal, and all heroes past and present, will not at all be bothered if learners focus on their teachers, lessons, projects and assignments,” Duterte said in the statement read by Poa.

Duterte-Carpio added “the order is what it is.”

The Vice President earlier issued DepEd Order No. 21, Series of 2023, ensuring that school grounds, classrooms and all its walls and other school facilities are clean and free from unnecessary artwork, decorations, tarpaulin and posters at all times.

“Classroom walls shall remain bare and devoid of posters, decorations or other posted materials. Classrooms should not be used to stockpile materials and should be clear of other unused items or items for disposal,” the order read.