The Department of Education (DepEd) investigation found no coercion or intimidation during the classroom observation where Teacher Agnes Buenaflor collapsed and later died, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
“Sa investigation namin wala namang coercion,” Angara said in an ambush interview at San Francisco High School in Quezon City, as reported by GMA News.
“Ano lang talaga may karamdaman si teacher Agnes noong day na yan,” he added.
Angara assured that DepEd is reviewing its classroom observation policy following Buenaflor’s death during a scheduled observation at Pedro E. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday.
The incident has reignited concerns among teachers about the excessive pressure in the evaluation process.
Angara explained that classroom observation is no longer the sole basis for teacher performance evaluation.
“Actually under review yun kasi yun yung reklamo ng mga teachers na minsan masyadong pressure yung environment,” he said.
He added that changes have already been made, including the removal of surprise classroom visits.
“Hindi na namin ginawang sole basis tapos surprise yung visits dati pero ngayon scheduled na,” Angara clarified.
According to him, teacher evaluations now rely on broader indicators, not limited to classroom observation.
“Yung review namin ng teachers (assessment) hindi lang limited sa classroom observation,” he said.
Feedback from the school community is also considered, noting that a single day of observation may not fully reflect a teacher’s abilities.
Angara expressed condolences to Buenaflor’s family and to the Schools Division Office involved in the incident. (RRN)
