Daniela Adelaide Jaimeleen Sol Dizon

The Department of Education (DepEd) is taking decisive steps to sustain key educational programs affected by the temporary suspension of USAID funding, which has long supported initiatives improving learning outcomes in the Philippines.

Photo Courtesy of Rappler/OneNews.ph

This is due to the temporary suspension of $94 million in USAID-funded projects (roughly Php 4 billion) on educational projects. 

Education Secretary Sonny Angara conveyed appreciation for USAID’s support through a letter addressed to the U.S. ambassador MaryKay Carlson, while also recognizing the difficulties caused by the funding freeze, and emphasizing DepEd’s dedication to maintaining essential educational reforms.

DepEd is focusing on ensuring a seamless transition of USAID-supported materials, exploring alternative funding options, and strengthening its internal capacity to incorporate these initiatives into existing programs, while also expediting the procurement of textbooks for Grades 2, 5, and 8 to guarantee their timely distribution ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

“We will exhaust all means to sustain these programs, ensuring that the education of our learners is not disrupted. DepEd will maximize its existing budget, engage with existing and new partners, and absorb key components of these projects,” Angara said.

DepEd is actively working to sustain essential educational programs impacted by the temporary suspension of USAID funding, which has played a crucial role in enhancing learning outcomes in the Philippines.

Key initiatives under DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda are directly affected, including ABC+, which strengthens early literacy; ILO-Ph, which boosts assessment frameworks; and lastly—Gabay, which supports students with special needs.

The ALS Tracer Study and Opportunity 2.0 programs are set to conclude by February 2025, with measures in place to ensure their objectives continue beyond their completion.

Despite financial constraints, DepEd remains optimistic about finding solutions and continues to push for strong collaboration between the Philippine and U.S. governments to advance educational progress.

“We recognize the tremendous impact of USAID’s contributions to Philippine education. While we await the resolution of this suspension, DepEd will move forward and ensure that PBBM’s reforms in education remain on track,” Angara concluded.

As DepEd faces this challenge, the organization remains committed to securing resources, strengthening partnerships, and reinforcing internal systems to maintain the momentum of education reforms and uphold the quality of learning for Filipino students.