The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, September 30, said it has urged Congress to prioritize amendments to key education laws, including the School-Based Feeding Program and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE), during the first Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting of the 20th Congress.

The meeting, presided over by President Marcos Jr., highlighted DepEd’s proposed reforms aimed at improving access, equity, and accountability in the education sector.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the inclusion of DepEd’s measures in the LEDAC priority list underscores the urgency of providing Filipino learners with better support.

“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, dapat tiyakin natin ang ating mag-aaral ay may sapat na nutrisyon, kalidad na guro, ligtas na paaralan, at pantay na oportunidad—mapa-publiko o pribado man sila nag-aaral (In the New Philippines, we must ensure that every learner has access to proper nutrition, quality teachers, safe schools, and equal opportunities—whether they study in public or private institutions),” Angara said.

“Ang mga panukalang ito ay konkretong hakbang upang hindi maiwan ang kahit isang mag-aaral (These proposals are concrete steps to leave no student behind),” he added.

DepEd has urged Congress to fast-track priority bills aimed at strengthening support for students and schools, including:

Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act (RA 11037) - The proposed amendments aim to expand the School-Based Feeding Program from 120 to 160 feeding days and make it universal for Kindergarten to Grade 3 learners. The revisions also include coverage of marginalized groups such as indigenous children and adolescent mothers, the use of milk-based substitutes for the Milk Feeding Program, weekly micronutrient supplements for female learners, and the establishment of Central Kitchens in every School Division Office.

E-GASTPE Act (RA 8545) - To strengthen transparency and accountability, amendments will institutionalize anti-fraud measures such as centralized verification, audits, whistleblower protection, and inter-agency data sharing. Voucher coverage will also be expanded to benefit learners from Kindergarten up to Senior High School, as well as teachers.

Teacher Professionalization Act (RA 7836) - Proposed changes include enhancing the scope of the licensure examination for teachers, diversifying the membership of the Board for Professional Teachers, and allowing subject-matter experts or non-licensed teachers to teach provisionally under certain conditions.

Local Government Code – Special Education Fund (SEF) - Amendments will raise the SEF levy from one percent (1%) to two percent (2%) of the assessed property value. The expanded fund will be used not only for school buildings but also for operations of special education, Indigenous Peoples’ and madrasah classes, open high schools, flexible learning programs, school site acquisition, and building maintenance.

DepEd also expressed support for the Classroom Building Acceleration Bill, which seeks to fast-track classroom construction nationwide by engaging more partners and providing greater implementation flexibility.

Angara stressed that strengthening these programs is essential for improving learning outcomes and ensuring that no Filipino student is left behind.

DepEd said close coordination with Congress, local government units, and development partners will be key to implementing these reforms effectively once they are passed into law.