House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately review what he described as an “oppressive” and “harmful” teacher evaluation system, following the death of public high school teacher Agnes Buenaflor during a classroom observation in Muntinlupa City.
Tinio, who represents the ACT Teachers party-list group, extended condolences to Buenaflor’s family and colleagues, but stressed that her passing highlights deeper systemic issues within DepEd’s current performance assessment framework.
Buenaflor, who taught at Pedro E. Diaz High School in Alabang, Muntinlupa, reportedly collapsed during the observation. She was rushed to a hospital but later died. She was 58.
Tinio said the tragedy should prompt urgent reforms to protect teachers from excessive stress and pressure.
According to Tinio, the existing evaluation system—mandated under DepEd Memo 89‑2025, which requires periodic walkthroughs and full‑period classroom observations—has become a major source of anxiety for educators.
Instead of fostering professional growth, he said the system has turned into a high‑stakes requirement tied to performance ratings, bonuses, and promotions.
“The circumstances surrounding Ms. Buenaflor’s death underscore the immense pressure that teachers face under the current evaluation system,” Tinio said.
“Classroom observations have become teaching demonstrations prepared well in advance, not reflections of everyday learning or a holistic view of teacher effectiveness.”
He emphasized that teachers across all levels, from new hires to veterans, commonly experience the same stress that Buenaflor reportedly felt. He added that no evaluation process should compromise a teacher’s health, safety, or well‑being.
Tinio backed calls from the ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers) NCR Union to temporarily suspend classroom observations as the school community mourns.
He also urged DepEd to adopt more compassionate and supportive approaches to teacher development.
“We must reform our teacher evaluation systems to truly support professional growth rather than create unnecessary stress and anxiety,” he said. “Ms. Buenaflor’s death must serve as a wake‑up call for systemic change.”
Tinio called on DepEd to immediately review and overhaul policies that place undue burden on educators, stressing that teachers deserve an environment that prioritizes their welfare as much as student learning.
The DepEd Schools Division Office (SDO) in Muntinlupa City mourned the loss of Buenaflor. She was described as “not only a remarkable educator, but also a cherished mentor, who profoundly impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues alike.”
“Staff from Pedro E. Diaz High School acted swiftly, administering first aid and ensuring that Ms. Buenaflor was transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite our collective efforts and hope, we are heartbroken to report that she did not survive,” the DepEd SDO Muntinlupa City said in a statement on January 7.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara has yet to comment on her passing as of this posting.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “As teacher dies, party-list wants review of oppressive eval system.”
