The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday urged education stakeholders to collaborate on transformative education reforms that empower Filipino learners.

“As constituents of the Department of Education, we know that educational excellence is a collective journey. All of us here have a crucial contribution to molding the future of our students,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said during DepEd Region III’s 2024 education week at the Baler Convention Center in Aurora.

“Transformative education is not just about teaching; it’s about creating a culture that fosters growth, collaboration, and empowerment among educators and learners,” he added.

The DepEd chief reiterated the agency’s commitment to addressing key challenges, such as improving school resources, advancing teacher welfare and development, and solving social and economic challenges like malnutrition and poverty that hinder students’ learning.

Angara also acknowledged the challenging work of DepEd personnel and noted that they “are working very hard for learning outcomes, for the welfare of teachers. You [DepEd personnel] deserve every centavo.”

The recent summit featured a range of activities, including learners’ performances exhibits, schools’ networking booths highlighting their best practices and innovations, a consultative assembly, a mental health and resiliency talk, a sports festival, a youth jam, a heritage visit, and an outreach activity.