BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

In its commitment to nurture leadership, civic engagement, and values of service among learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday formally opened the Learners’ Convergence Philippines (LearnCon PH) 2025, bringing together more than 2,000 student leaders and youth advocates from across the country in Dumaguete City.

This year’s LearnCon PH takes on a more transformative approach through the integration with the National Career Expo (NCEx) Kick-Off for School Year 2025–2026. These activities help students build leadership and decision-making skills while connecting them with industry, business, and school partners to learn about future career opportunities.

Aligned with the 5-Point Reform Agenda of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the four-day event also features leadership workshops, innovation labs, and dialogue sessions designed to empower students as active partners in shaping school communities.

“Dito ninyo maipapahayag ang inyong mga saloobin tungkol sa mga isyung panlipunan, makapagpapresenta ng inyong mga proyekto, at makikilahok sa mga workshop, thematic sessions, at Project Pitching Exercises. Gamitin ninyo ang pagkakataong ito para magtanong, makinig, at magbahagi,” noted Angara.

Carrying the theme “#GalingKabataan: Boses Mo, Bukas Natin,” this year’s LearnCon PH highlights the vital role of youth voices in addressing social issues and shaping an inclusive, forward-looking society and serves as the largest face-to-face engagement of learners and education stakeholders from all 18 regions. 

A total of 2,061 learner-participants representing all School Division Offices nationwide are attending the convergence. Delegates include learners from both the formal and alternative education systems, Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups, and learners with disabilities (LWDs).

“Sa loob ng apat na araw ng LearnCon, pag-uusapan natin ang mga mahahalagang isyu tulad ng leadership and civic engagement, health and well-being, gender and social inclusion, climate action, innovation and entrepreneurship, culture and peace, pati na rin ang mga programa para sa Alternative Learning System, indigenous people, at learners with disability,” said Education Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm S. Garma.

Other program highlights include the launch of the Landas Toolkit, a resource to guide students in career planning; the Learners’ Congress, which builds policy-making and governance skills; and Project Pitching Sessions, where learners present innovative ideas to a panel of experts.

“LearnCon is a safe space for ideas,” Usec. Garma added. “Huwag kayo matakot, huwag kayong mahiyang magtanong at magbahagi. Tulad ng mga nagdaang taon, ang LearnCon ay isang ligtas na espasyo, isang avenue for dialogue, debate, at creative expression. Dito, kayo mismo ang bida.”

Also on the schedule are simultaneous thematic sessions on pressing national issues, a Youth Leaders Forum featuring dialogues with sector leaders, and a Learners’ Night celebrating youth creativity and camaraderie.

DepEd said the LearnCon PH 2025 aims to affirm the youth’s role as “co-creators of an inclusive, empowered, and sustainable nation” by giving them a seat and a voice in shaping the country’s education and development agenda.

*All Photos from DepEd