Adi Joaquim Tolentino

The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up efforts to reform the country’s basic education system through its 5-Point Reform Agenda to enhance learning quality and confront long-term problems.

Photo Courtesy of Department of Education.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the importance of partnership in reforming the country’s basic education on Tuesday, during the UNICEF 2024 Outcome Review Meeting for the 9th Country Programme for Children (CPC9) in the Philippines. 

“DepEd considers UNICEF one of its strongest allies in education. This partnership has transformed many lives and helped drive improvements in basic education in the Philippines,” he said.

Angara met the international organization’s education chief, Akihiro Fushimi, and planning chief, Xavier Foulquier, alongside Teacher Education Council representatives to discuss the reformation.

As part of Angara’s commitment to improving learning outcomes, DepEd is implementing the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which provides tutoring and remediation for struggling learners.

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) are also being reinforced to improve foundational learning and provide pathways for out-of-school youth.

To address mental health concerns, the department is prioritizing the hiring of guidance counselors and enforcing the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

Furthermore, DepEd is reviewing the implementing rules of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and expanding the Learners’ Rights and Protection Office to strengthen student protection measures.

To ensure learning continuity during disasters, DepEd updated school suspension protocols and introduced flexible learning methods such as the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP).

With these reforms, DepEd intends to create long-term improvements in the country’s basic education system over the next decade.