DepEd taps parents, guardians as partners in learner protection

The Department of Education (DepEd) has formally engaged parents, guardians, and caregivers as partners in learner protection through the implementation of the Kaagapay Program, aimed at strengthening school-based mental health and anti-bullying support.

Under DepEd Memorandum No. 002, s. 2026, the Kaagapay Program taps parents and guardians as co-educators who help reinforce values formation, positive discipline, and learner well-being at home, complementing classroom instruction and school-based guidance initiatives.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the reform strengthens the overall support system surrounding learners by directly involving families in the process.

With a nationwide allocation of P100 million, the Kaagapay Program is being rolled out through parent engagement sessions and advocacy campaigns designed to translate school policies into practical, everyday actions within households. These sessions use participatory and experiential approaches, including sharing of best practices, guided reflection, and action planning, to help parents better understand learner behavior, socio-emotional needs, and early signs of bullying or distress.

The sessions are structured to first situate parents’ roles within DepEd’s curriculum and learner development priorities, followed by focused discussions on socio-emotional and values support, positive discipline, bullying awareness, and home–school–community partnerships. Parents are encouraged to reflect on their family contexts and develop simple home-based action plans aligned with school objectives, with the aim of sustaining positive practices beyond the sessions.

Schools may implement the program through face-to-face, modular, or asynchronous modes, taking into account parents’ schedules, backgrounds, and circumstances to ensure broader participation. The program is open to all parents and caregivers of learners in public elementary and secondary schools and seeks to ensure representation across diverse family structures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Participation is voluntary, with safeguards in place to protect privacy and prevent stigma.

Implementation of the Kaagapay Program is already underway, with coordination and engagement activities continuing throughout School Year 2025–2026 via schools division offices.

The program’s rollout coincides with broader government investments in learner well-being, including a P2.9-billion allocation for the School-Based Mental Health Program. The funding supports the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which mandates the strengthening of school-based mental health services, including suicide prevention initiatives in schools.