Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
'We still have a lot to do': DepEd commits to reforms, highlights early gains
Philippines
National
'We still have a lot to do': DepEd commits to reforms, highlights early gains
'We still have a lot to do': DepEd commits to reforms, highlights early gains
While progress has been made, Angara says more work is needed to fix the Philippine education system
Published Jul 28, 2025 05:24 pm
From expanded feeding programs and teacher benefits to curriculum upgrades and AI innovation, DepEd under Secretary Sonny Angara delivered major education reforms in his first year—setting the direction for a future-ready education system under Bagong Pilipinas. (MB Visual Content Group)
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday, July 28, said that while substantial progress has been made, the mission to “fix” the country’s education system is far from complete.
“Marami pa tayong kailangang ayusin, marami pa tayong kailangang abutin (We still have so much to fix, so many more to reach),” Angara said in a statement.
As he enters his second year, DepEd under Angara reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready education system in line with the vision of “Bagong Pilipinas” under the Marcos administration.
“Habang pinagkakatiwalaan tayo ng taumbayan, hindi tayo titigil sa paglilingkod, para sa bawat guro, bawat magulang, at bawat batang nangangarap (As long as the people trust us, we will not stop serving—for every teacher, every parent, and every child who dreams),” Angara said.
Early wins
In just his first year at the helm of DepEd, Angara has made swift and significant strides toward overhauling the Philippine education system—advancing President Marcos’ directive for a clear and responsive education reform agenda, as stated in his previous State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“Mula sa simula, malinaw ang layunin natin na makinig, ayusin ang kailangang ayusin, at itayo ang mga kulang (From the beginning, our purpose has been clear: to listen, to fix what needs fixing, and to build what is lacking),” Angara said.
“Bunga ito ng pakikinig sa mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral sa mismong mga paaralan (This is the result of listening to teachers, parents, and students in the schools themselves),” he added.
Among the most notable achievements, DepEd said, is the expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), which now covers all Kindergarten learners in public schools starting this school year.
DepEd also announced the launch of Project SIGLA, a digital health monitoring system for students’ nutrition and wellness, alongside the ongoing construction of 328 new Child Development Centers in some of the country’s poorest municipalities.
In terms of improving teacher welfare and career growth, DepEd reported that 97 percent of the 22,000 newly funded teaching positions for 2024 have been filled, while 99 percent of the 5,000 new administrative posts are already occupied.
DepEd also introduced new career levels (Teacher IV to VII), while over 2,100 school heads are set to be reclassified as Principals—pushing closer to the goal of “one school, one principal.”
Moreover, key benefits for teachers have increased:
- Teaching supplies allowance doubled from P5,000 to P10,000
- A new medical allowance for public school teachers
- Salary subsidy for private school teachers raised to P24,000/year
Daily paperwork for teachers has also been reduced by more than half, giving them more time to focus on instruction and student engagement, DepEd added.
To address the nationwide classroom backlog, DepEd is spearheading the construction of 105,000 new classrooms, including modular designs to be deployed in disaster-hit areas starting August.
Through partnerships with other agencies, DepEd is also working to improve electricity and internet connectivity in last-mile schools.
DepEd noted that the K to 10 curriculum has been revamped to refocus on reading, writing, and math. Meanwhile, a strengthened Senior High School curriculum—geared toward both academic and technical-vocational skills—is being piloted in 900 schools.
Literacy efforts are showing results, according to DepEd. Programs like the Literacy Remediation Program (LRP) and Bawat Bata Bumabasa Program (BBBP) have significantly reduced the number of struggling readers.
DepEd also expanded the Free TESDA Assessment Program to include SHS, ALS, and tech-voc students. In a landmark shift, SHS graduates are now eligible for entry-level civil service jobs, following a new CSC ruling.
Under Angara’s leadership, textbook procurement was cut from 451 days to just 170 days (60 days for bidding, 110 for printing and delivery). A digital supplier registry now ensures transparency in procurement.
A redesigned Adopt-A-School Program website and School Finder platform streamline donor-school connections.
This August, Project Bukas, an open data platform, will be launched to provide public access to key DepEd data.
Pioneering innovation, DepEd also established the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) to lead in the use of digital and AI tools in education. Other projects underway include Project LIGTAS, for school risk mapping and Project TALINO, to identify the most underserved schools.