Angara: Classroom decor ban will remain pending consultation

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Monday that schools should continue implementing the policy mandating posters and decorations be taken down on classroom walls and other facilities, pending consultations on the matter.

Angara, who has been inspecting schools in Cavite, Muntinlupa, and Rizal during the first day of classes for School Year 2024-2025, affirmed that DepEd Order 21, which was signed by Vice President and former Education Secretary Sara Duterte, would remain “status quo.”

“Well, magko-konsulta kami sa mga teachers at saka sa principals kung ano ‘yung… dapat bang i-maintain ang policy na ‘yun, or ibabago natin,” Angara told reporters.

(We will consult with the teachers and principals on whether we should maintain that policy, or if we should change it.)

DepEd Order 21 states that schools “shall ensure 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.”

Likewise, oversized signages with commercial advertisements, words of sponsorships, and/or endorsement or announcements of any kind or nature should also be taken down.

“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.

The DepEd earlier maintained that students would be able to focus on their lessons if there are less “distractions” like posters and decorations on classroom walls. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News