With a renewed focus on inclusivity, innovation, and quality education, the Department of Education (DepEd) looks ahead to 2025 with optimism and a commitment to further enhancing the learning experience across the country.
In his New Year's message released on Wednesday, Jan. 1, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara recognized the efforts of DepEd’s personnel over the past year.
“Kasabay ng pagpasok ng bagong taon ang pangako ng bagong simula at mas malaking tagumpay para sa DepEd (With the arrival of the new year comes the promise of a new beginning and greater success for DepEd),” Angara said.
“Bilang inyong Kalihim, nais kong ipabatid na masigasig nating sinisimulan ang mga reporma (As your Secretary, I want to inform you that we are diligently starting the reforms),” he added.
Angara noted that discussions continue to raise the level of education in the country.
With the help and support from the private sector and government agencies, especially the administration of President Marcos, Angara said: “Naniniwala akong malayo ang ating mararating (I believe we can go a long way).”
Priorities for 2025
DepEd told the Manila Bulletin that its priorities for 2025 will include investing in teachers’ quality, protecting learners' well-being, decentralized governance, raising education quality, preparing graduates for future success, and improving assessment scores.
To improve teachers’ quality, DepEd plans to enhance teacher welfare with higher allowances, professional development, and health benefits to ensure a quality education workforce.
DepEd will also focus on protecting learners' well-being by strengthening mental health programs and creating more counseling positions to support students' emotional health.
Through decentralized governance, DepEd hopes to empower local education units with data-informed decision-making and promote transparency through various platforms.
To raise education quality, DepEd plans to modernize schools with digital tools, enhance curricula, and improve learning delivery. DepEd also aims to strengthen pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and higher education by refining the Senior High School curriculum and continuing recovery programs to prepare graduates for future success.
Lastly, DepEd will strengthen its initiatives to improve assessment scores by providing targeted learning interventions and educational resources for both learners and teachers, with a focus on enhancing school readiness.
DepEd said it is conducting audits of school-based resources and delivering tailored interventions aimed at improving learning outcomes.
These initiatives, DepEd added, are aligned with global and local assessments, including the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), to “ensure the country’s educational performance improves.”
New programs and policies
This year, DepEd will also focus on new programs and policies for implementation.
Among these are enhanced learning and digital transformation through the integration of digital education tools via collaborations.
DepEd cited its partnerships with Khan Academy and iamtheCODE, which promise “improved access to technology”—particularly in underserved areas.
Enhanced curriculum guidelines, such as the MATATAG Curriculum, emphasize streamlined and relevant learning paths for students, DepEd added.
DepEd also highlighted initiatives for improved teacher welfare and career growth.
“Teachers can expect better compensation and benefits, along with doubled vacation service credits and clearer career progression pathways established under new IRRs [Implementing Rules and Regulations],” DepEd said.
“Administrative workload will also be reduced through task force recommendations, enabling teachers to focus more on instruction,” DepEd added.
Moreover, DepEd said it will address gaps in infrastructure and resource accessibility.
DepEd stated that accelerated procurement processes will ensure the “timely delivery” of essential goods and infrastructure. Partnerships, like those with Land Bank, will address classroom repair needs, particularly in disaster-hit areas, it added.
This year, DepEd also plans to implement policies to ensure inclusive and quality education.
DepEd noted that policies targeting diverse learners, including those with disabilities, and enhanced support for Madrasah education reinforce the commitment to equitable learning opportunities for all.
Comprehensive recovery programs under the ARAL Law, which aims to mitigate pandemic-driven learning gaps, will also be put in place.
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