The Department of Education (DepEd) has faced several ongoing challenges, including classroom shortages, damage from natural disasters, and learning losses exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the number of learners increases, DepEd struggles to meet the growing demand for resources and infrastructure, creating a gap between supply and student needs. Logistical issues, such as procurement delays and the need to adapt learning delivery methods, have further complicated efforts.

In her final speech as DepEd chief, Vice President Sara Duterte humorously welcomed her successor, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, saying, “Welcome to the chaos, Sec.,” during the turnover ceremony on 18 July 2024.

Duterte, who led DepEd for two years, made strides with initiatives such as the Matatag agenda, revising the K to 10 Matatag Curriculum, reviewing the Senior High School curriculum, and launching the National Learning Recovery Plan. She also facilitated the return of over 20 million learners to in-person classes after pandemic disruptions.

Angara, responding to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for improvements, quickly assured that he would “hit the ground running.”

He developed a 5-point strategic agenda focusing on creating an enabling learning environment, ensuring teacher welfare, improving learning delivery and preparing a future-ready workforce.

His approach aims not only to address current challenges but to create a sustainable framework for future educational development.

Learning losses remain a significant concern, with poor performance on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other academic evaluations.

Alarmingly, 9 out of 10 children in the country struggle with basic literacy. DepEd is prioritizing intervention programs to address these gaps, along with teacher welfare, classroom shortages, and procurement inefficiencies.

The department also emphasizes adapting educational policies to respond to crises like natural disasters.

One of Angara’s first steps was to prioritize the 5-point agenda, unlocking initiatives like decentralizing funding, revitalizing public-private partnerships for school infrastructure, and accelerating the adoption of digital tools.

He has fast-tracked the implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act, which aims to address learning losses with targeted interventions.

Additionally, DepEd partnered with Japan-based Sprix Inc. to implement the Test of Fundamental Skills, allowing teachers to assess students’ math skills more accurately.

DepEd also renewed its partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expand the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, which targets literacy gaps and provides work opportunities for disadvantaged college students to tutor elementary learners.

DepEd has launched the Teacher Effectiveness and Competencies Enhancement Project with the World Bank, aimed at improving teacher professional development in literacy and numeracy for students in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The department also entered a partnership with Rebisco Food Group to develop curriculum-aligned materials and support school infrastructure.

To improve disaster preparedness, DepEd updated its guidelines for class suspensions and introduced Learning and Service Continuity Plans to ensure alternative learning options during disruptions.

The department has also collaborated with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to improve educational access for persons deprived of liberty through the Alternative Learning System, with over 20,000 enrollees in the past three years.

Other key initiatives include the revival of the Bakuna Eskwela immunization program, an increase in vacation service credits for teachers, and streamlined procurement processes to improve the timely delivery of learning materials.

DepEd has also introduced flexible guidelines for the MATATAG Curriculum to allow schools to adjust to their unique needs.

Finally, DepEd signed a $1 million agreement with the Public-Private Partnership Center to address the classroom backlog.

Under this agreement, DepEd will build 15,000 classrooms in 2025, benefiting over 600,000 students.

These combined efforts aim to significantly improve the state of education in the Philippines, addressing infrastructure challenges, reducing learning losses, and enhancing teacher welfare for a brighter future for Filipino learners.