ACT Teachers Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio expressed his deep condolences to the family, colleagues, and students of Ms. Agnes Buenaflor, who passed away on January 7, 2026 while teaching a class under “classroom observation” at Pedro E. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Ms. Agnes Buenaflor. Her passing is a profound loss not only to her family and loved ones, but to the entire education community,” Tinio said.
“Nakikiramay kami sa pamilya at mga kasamahan ni Ms. Buenaflor. Ang kanyang dedikasyon sa pagtuturo ay dapat nating pahalagahan at alalahanin,” he added.
Tinio commended ACT NCR Union for coordinating with the school administration and extending assistance during this difficult time. He also supported their call for the temporary suspension of classroom observations as teachers mourn their colleague.
“The circumstances surrounding Ms. Buenaflor’s death underscore the immense pressure and stress that teachers face under the current evaluation system. Classroom observations have become a source of anxiety rather than genuine professional development,” Tinio stated.
Under DepEd Memo. 89-2025 , teachers are required to undergo periodic walkthrough and full-period classroom observations.
“Ang buhay, kalusugan, at kaligtasan ng ating mga guro ay dapat laging mauna. Hindi dapat maging sanhi ng takot at labis na pressure ang mga sistema ng DepEd,” he emphasized.
The lawmaker called for the review of the current classroom observation system, which he described as oppressive and counterproductive to genuine teacher development. “Teachers are under intense pressure because so much of their performance rating for the year depends on these formal classroom observations, which in turn affect performance bonuses and promotion. However, these have become teaching demonstrations prepared well in advance, and so do not reflect the actual everyday learning situation nor provide a wholistic view of the teacher’s effectiveness.”
“Sadly, even though Ms. Buenaflor was an experienced teacher already near the end of her professional service, she nevertheless felt undue stress from the classroom observation. This is an experience commonly shared by the teaching force, from new hires to veterans,” he added.
“We must reform our teacher evaluation systems to truly support professional growth rather than create unnecessary stress and anxiety. No teacher should feel that their life and health are at risk. Instead of mechanical compliance with this oppressive practice, more effective methods of encouraging professional development should be explored by the Deped,” Tinio said.
“We call on the Department of Education to exercise compassion and immediately review policies that place undue burden on our teachers. Ms. Buenaflor’s death must serve as a wake-up call for systemic change,” he concluded.#
