BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Echoing the position of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Education (DepEd) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining key education initiatives despite the temporary suspension of United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded projects, totaling $94 million (approximately Php 4 billion).

In a letter to U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed the Department’s deep appreciation for USAID’s long-standing support in improving basic education in the Philippines. However, he also emphasized the serious implications of the funding freeze.

To mitigate the impact of the suspension, DepEd is implementing a multi-pronged strategy, which includes requesting USAID the proper turnover of project materials to efficiently use project resources, exploring alternative funding sources, and strengthening the capacity of the Curriculum and Teaching Strand to integrate key project interventions into the Department’s existing systems.

DepEd has also accelerated its textbook procurement for Grades 2, 5 and 8 to ensure that textbooks reach classrooms in time for School Year 2025-2026 opening.

“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.

The affected initiatives—each playing a vital role in DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda—include ABC+, which enhances early-grade literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning; ILO-Ph, which strengthens comprehensive assessment framework and policies; and Gabay, which provides specialized support for learners with special needs. Meanwhile, the ALS Tracer Study and Opportunity 2.0 programs are set for completion in February 2025, and DepEd is working to ensure that their objectives remain on track.

Citing the longstanding education partnership between the Philippines and the U.S., DepEd remains hopeful that considerations will be made to mitigate the impact of the suspension of ongoing projects.

“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.

*All Photos from DepEd