The teacher exodus from Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — In the quiet corridors of a high school in northern Cebu, a Hello Kitty-themed classroom now sits empty—its chalkboard untouched, its silence once filled with the animated explanations of Teacher Mae.

For more than nine years, Mae (not her real name) taught science in a public high school with unmatched energy. But at the end of 2023, she resigned and booked a one-way ticket to her dream destination: the United States of America.

Mae’s story is not unique. She is one of over 400 teachers from Central Visayas who have left the country in recent years, part of a growing trend the Department of Education (DepEd) has called a “teacher exodus.”

“It’s not just about money. It’s about quality of life, kumbaga, greener pasture ba,” Mae shared in a video call from across the continent.

Back in the Philippines, she earned just under P30,000 a month—barely enough to cover daily expenses, groceries, and her family’s needs. In the U.S., she now makes ten times that amount. More importantly, she said, “I just focus on teaching. To be honest, no endless paperwork.”

According to Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) regional director Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, Central Visayas has become a hotspot for overseas teacher recruitment.

“Cebu is a very potent area… not only are the teachers here intelligent, but they have character and attitude,” he said.

But the success of teachers like Mae comes at a cost. Back home, math, science, and English teachers are resigning in droves, leaving classrooms scrambling to fill critical roles.

A previous report from The Freeman showed that the number of unfilled plantilla positions in Central Visayas dropped from 3.09 percent in August 2024 to 2.75 percent by September.

However, Jimenez acknowledged that reaching full staffing remains unlikely due to the ongoing cycle of resignations, retirements, and deaths affecting both teaching and non-teaching personnel.

DepEd-7 data showed that the total number of vacancies in public schools decreased from 2,661 on August 28, 2024, to 2,369 by September 23, 2024.

Subject mismatched

In some schools, Filipino teachers are reassigned to subjects outside their specialization.

As Jimenez revealed, a Filipino teacher might temporarily handle English, while another may be asked to teach science, even if it is not their major.

“The expertise is gone. And while we try to fill in the gaps, it affects the learners too," Jimenez said.

From August 2021 to early 2024, Central Visayas lost at least 779 teachers to overseas employment, according to DepEd-7. The shortage is compounded by the department’s slow hiring process, which often leaves vacancies unfilled for up to two months after a teacher leaves.

“We cannot replace them quickly,” Jimenez said.

Despite the abundance of licensed teachers in the country, Jimenez noted that entering the DepEd isn’t a straightforward process because of stringent hiring procedures.

When asked whether this situation has affected student performance—particularly with teachers handling unfamiliar subjects—Jimenez acknowledged it may be a contributing factor.

“We cannot categorically say the exodus is the main reason… But it’s certainly a contributing factor,” he said.

To help fill the gap, DepEd-7 is working with institutions like Cebu Normal University (CNU) to train teachers in non-major subjects.

Global demand for Filipino teachers

For Mae, waiting wasn’t an option. She applied through a recruiter in early 2023 and, after passing language and demonstration tests, received her placement by August.

According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the country sends an average of 1,500 teachers abroad annually. In 2017 alone, 1,328 teachers left the Philippines for overseas jobs. These numbers have fluctuated depending on global demand and economic conditions.

Despite representing only nine percent of the global OFW population, Filipino teachers are among the most sought-after. A 2020 report from whatalife.ph stated that nine percent of the 2.2 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) worldwide were teachers.

A 2023 study titled “Filipino Teachers’ Revelations in Working Abroad” identified economic necessity as the primary reason for going overseas. Foreign teaching roles offer higher salaries, better perks, and a more balanced lifestyle.

Many also described working abroad as a professional turning point, citing supportive work environments, structured development, and recognition—all contributing to a healthier workplace culture.

'Teachers are for national consumption'

For Elvie Lepiten, a 35-year teaching veteran from Compostela National High School, the trend is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

“Sauna, gi-instill man gud sa among mind ang giingon sa among professor sauna nga teachers are for national consumption,” said Lepiten.

Despite her long tenure, Elvie never considered leaving—not for lack of desire, but due to personal responsibilities.

“I take care of my mother. I’m the breadwinner. I never had the luxury to start over abroad,” she said.

Still, she does not blame those who left. “It’s proof that they’ve found greener pastures.”

Mae, however, admits that some guilt lingers.

“I know I left my students behind. Lingaw jud atong mga bata diha but I also had to think about my own future,” she said.

The challenges facing teachers in the Philippines go beyond salary issues. Constant curriculum changes, heavy administrative work, and political instability take their toll.

“Mag usab-usab og curriculum… Kada admin lahi-lahi og system, focus,” Elvie said.

“Pero mo-relate ra man at some point, pero sa tinood lang, challenge na namo on how to cope up.”

Teachers must attend weekend seminars, complete reports at home, and take on non-teaching assignments in addition to their teaching load.

To ease the burden, Jimenez said DepEd is working to hire more non-teaching personnel. According to a Philstar report, the department plans to fill 16,000 new teaching positions by the third quarter of 2025.

Still, adapting remains a challenge.

Jimenez acknowledged that ironically, the training provided by DepEd has made Filipino teachers even more attractive abroad.

“In fact, maong na-hire sila outside the country because they are already experts in the fields,” he admitted.

Back in Texas, Mae—now known as Ana to her students—said she has no regrets.

“I miss my students. But now, I can save, I can plan. Dako jud akong mapadala sa ako family diha [Philippines],” she said. (CEBU NEWS)