BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Consistent with the targets set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing forward with its 5-Point Reform Agenda to address longstanding challenges in basic education, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said on Tuesday. 

DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda is a step toward addressing systemic issues in the education sector, with the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (Q-BEDP) identifying key reform areas, setting clear targets, and outlining a long-term strategy for the next decade. 

Speaking at the UNICEF 2024 Outcome Review Meeting for the 9th Country Programme for Children (CPC9) in the Philippines on Tuesday, Sec. Angara emphasized the importance of partnerships in realizing reforms in the basic education sector. 

“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,” Sec. Angara said. 

The education chief outlined the department’s ongoing efforts to address the learning crisis, expand opportunities for out-of-school youth, strengthen child protection policies, and ensure learning continuity during disasters. He said these initiatives align with DepEd’s broader reform agenda and ongoing programs to enhance transparency, accountability, and investment in the sector. 

As part of these efforts, DepEd is implementing the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program (ARAL), which provides tutoring and remediation for struggling learners. The department is also reviewing the Senior High School (SHS) program to ensure it remains aligned with current labor market demands. 

Angara also stressed the need to reinforce Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to strengthen early learning foundations and facilitate the reintegration of out-of-school youth into formal education. 

Moreover, DepEd is reviewing the implementing rules of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 while expanding the Learners’ Rights and Protection Office. The agency is also enforcing the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act and prioritizing the hiring of guidance counselors to provide mental health support for students and teachers. 

To ensure learning continuity during disasters, DepEd has updated school suspension guidelines and alternative delivery modes, allowing schools to adopt flexible learning programs such as the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). 

The meeting was attended by UNICEF Chief for Education Akihiro Fushimi, UNICEF Chief for Planning, Monitoring, Evidence, and Data Xavier Foulquier, and representatives from DepEd and the Teacher Education Council (TEC).

*All Photos from DepEd