Education Secretary Sonny Angara has placed the Department of Education (DepEd) under a long-term reform program aimed at preparing Filipino learners for a fast-changing world. The department reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready education system through stakeholder-driven reforms and digital transformation.

This move responds to the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to gear the country toward the future of education through systemic reforms and technological innovation.

The Philippines recently ranked 74th out of 177 countries in the Global Education Futures Readiness Index, with a score of 56.32 out of 100. This placed the country in the category of “emerging and partial readiness,” signaling ongoing structural challenges in governance, innovation, infrastructure, and access to quality education.

In response, DepEd is accelerating long-term reforms to address future demands.

“Pinapaganda natin ang sistema para maging mas maayos, mas makabago, at mas kapaki-pakinabang sa mga guro, magulang, at bata. Hindi ito madali, pero kailangang simulan at sabay-sabay nating gawin,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

To prepare for future challenges and opportunities, DepEd has established the Education Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, the first of its kind in the Philippine education sector. It aims to apply AI and data science in solving persistent issues in teaching, planning, and school management.

Among the tools being developed are SIGLA, a mobile app for automating growth monitoring of learners; TALINO, a geospatial mapping tool supporting private sector engagement through the Adopt-a-School Program; and DUNONG, a dashboard for school leadership exam data to aid succession planning.

A chatbot system called SALIKSeek is also being refined to provide faster access to internal data for DepEd decision-makers. Other tools in development include SABAY, which supports early cognitive risk screening, and LIGTAS, a geohazard tracking system for schools.

DepEd stressed that these AI initiatives are governed by an AI Governance Framework rooted in international standards to ensure responsible, ethical, and transparent use of technology.

In basic education governance, DepEd is rolling out Project Bukas, an open data initiative covering school-level enrollment, resource inventory, and learning outcomes. It aims to empower communities to better monitor and support education services.

To align learning with workforce demands, DepEd has restructured the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum in coordination with TESDA, CHED, and DOLE. Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) qualifications are now being embedded into SHS programs.

Additionally, recent reforms in government hiring policies now recognize SHS graduates as eligible for first-level civil service positions, expanding employment opportunities for Filipino youth.

“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Marcos, pinapatibay natin ang pundasyon ng edukasyon hindi lang para makaabot sa global standards kundi para makalikha ng mas makatao, makabago, at makatarungang kinabukasan para sa bawat batang Pilipino,” Angara said.

DepEd is also investing in digital infrastructure, including PSIP Connect—a major program to deliver devices, solar power, and satellite internet to underserved schools—and the Bayanihan SIM Program, which supports connectivity in remote areas.