DepEd Debunks Viral Grade 13 Claim, Announces Major Hiring Initiative
In an age where misinformation spreads rapidly across social media platforms, the Department of Education (DepEd) has once again found itself addressing a viral post. A recent claim alleging the addition of Grade 13 to the Senior High School curriculum for the 2025-2026 school year has been firmly debunked by the agency.
BABALA SA PUBLIKO
Fake news ang kumakalat na Facebook post tungkol sa umano’y dagdag na Grade 13 sa Senior High School para sa SY 2025-2026.
Muling pinaaalalahanan ng DepEd ang publiko na mag-ingat at maging mapanuri laban sa misinformation.
Para sa opisyal na mga anunsiyo at impormasyon tungkol sa basic education, bisitahin lamang ang official DepEd Philippines social media accounts.
Misinformation Alert
“WARNING TO THE PUBLIC: The Facebook post about the alleged additional Grade 13 in Senior High School for SY 2025-2026 is fake news,” DepEd declared in an official statement posted on its verified Facebook page yesterday.
The department emphasized its commitment to transparency and urged the public to verify information through official channels. “DepEd once again reminds the public to be cautious and analytical against misinformation,” the statement read.
The false claim, which gained traction on social media, sparked confusion among students, parents, and educators alike. Many expressed concern over the potential implications of extending the Senior High School curriculum. However, DepEd’s swift response has helped clarify the matter and alleviate concerns.
Massive Recruitment Drive for Teachers
In a more positive development, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced a major investment aimed at addressing the shortage of educators in public schools. The government is set to allocate P4.19 billion to create 16,000 new teaching positions for the 2025 school year, marking a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s education system.
“I have approved the creation of 16,000 teaching positions in public schools,” Pangandaman said in a statement. This initiative represents the first tranche of a broader plan to fill 20,000 teaching positions by 2025.
The funding will be sourced from DepEd’s built-in budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, specifically designated for hiring new personnel. According to the breakdown provided:
- 15,343 positions will be allocated to Teacher I roles, offering a salary grade of 11, equating to at least P27,000 monthly.
- 500 positions are designated for special education (SPED) teachers, with a salary grade of 14 or approximately P33,800 monthly.
- 157 positions are reserved for special science teachers, with a salary grade of 13, translating to P31,300 monthly.
A Step Forward for Philippine Education
The creation of new teaching positions underscores the government’s commitment to improving educational access and quality. By increasing manpower in public schools, the administration aims to address issues such as overcrowded classrooms and overworked educators, which have long plagued the education system.
This investment in human resources is expected to yield long-term benefits, including better teacher-student ratios and enhanced learning environments. Education stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a critical step toward achieving a more robust and equitable education system.
Call for Vigilance
As DepEd continues to implement programs and policies aimed at uplifting the education sector, it also calls on the public to exercise vigilance against the proliferation of fake news. “We encourage everyone to rely on verified sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed information that can mislead the public,” the department reiterated.
In a digital age where misinformation can easily overshadow truth, DepEd’s proactive approach serves as a reminder of the importance of credible information. With the government’s dual focus on combatting fake news and investing in education, stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of Philippine education.
The Perils of Misinformation in Education
On Saturday, May 17, the Facebook page Education News disseminated a claim that quickly ignited concern among students and parents alike. The post announced that the Department of Education (DepEd) would introduce Grade 13 to the Senior High School (SHS) program for the upcoming school year. Complete with the official logos of DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the post exuded an air of legitimacy, prompting over 490 shares and 80 reactions by the following day. The reaction from the public was swift and largely negative, as parents and students voiced their frustrations about a perceived additional burden to an already challenging educational system.
But on Sunday, May 18, DepEd categorically debunked the claim as “fake news.” The department issued a clear statement emphasizing that no such change is being implemented. “Fake news ang kumakalat na Facebook post tungkol sa umano’y dagdag na Grade 13 sa Senior High School para sa SY 2025-2026,” the statement read, urging the public to exercise caution and verify information only through credible sources. DepEd also reiterated its commitment to rolling out a revised K to 12 program for the coming school year without adding another grade level.
While the incident ended with DepEd’s clarification, it underscores a troubling trend: the rapid spread of misinformation and its capacity to sow unnecessary anxiety. The role of social media in amplifying false narratives has grown exponentially, and this recent case exemplifies its dangers, particularly when it involves education—an issue that directly affects millions of Filipino families.
The reality is that the upcoming changes to the K to 12 curriculum aim to streamline learning rather than complicate it. DepEd’s revised program will reduce the number of core subjects for Grades 11 and 12 from 15 to just five to seven. This approach is intended to provide students with more focused and practical learning opportunities. Furthermore, the pilot implementation of the revised program in select schools starting June 16 reflects DepEd’s measured and consultative approach to reform, contrary to the abrupt and unwarranted changes suggested in the viral post.
The incident offers several lessons. First, social media platforms must intensify their efforts to curb the dissemination of false information, especially when it pertains to public policy and education. Algorithms that prioritize engagement over accuracy must be reevaluated to prevent the viral spread of misleading content. Second, institutions like DepEd should consider proactive communication strategies, such as real-time updates and partnerships with reputable media outlets, to preempt misinformation.
Finally, the public must take responsibility for discerning fact from fiction. As DepEd reminded citizens, vigilance and skepticism are essential in an age where information—both true and false—is just a click away. By cultivating a culture of critical thinking and digital literacy, we can collectively build a more informed and resilient society.
The fake Grade 13 announcement may have been debunked, but its ripple effects serve as a sobering reminder. Misinformation is not merely an inconvenience; it has real consequences, especially when it targets sensitive sectors like education. As stakeholders in the nation’s progress, let us all strive to protect the integrity of public discourse and ensure that truth prevails.