The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, Feb. 13, reiterated its commitment to sustaining programs supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) despite the announced funding freeze.
In a statement, DepEd said it has outlined plans for program continuity, highlighting their importance in improving educational outcomes and supporting learners across the country.
Echoing the position of President Marcos, DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining key education initiatives despite the temporary suspension of USAID-funded projects, which total approximately P4 billion ($94 million).
Mitigating the impact
DepEd Education Secretary Sonny Angara, in a letter to U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, expressed the department’s “deep appreciation” for USAID’s long-standing support in improving basic education in the Philippines.
However, he also emphasized the “serious implications” of the funding freeze.
DepEd stated that a multi-pronged strategy is being implemented to mitigate the suspension's impact.
This strategy includes: requesting USAID to properly turn over project materials to maximize resource use; exploring alternative funding sources; and enhancing the Curriculum and Teaching Strand’s capacity to integrate key project interventions into the department’s existing systems.
DepEd also said it has accelerated the procurement of textbooks for Grades 2, 5, and 8 to ensure their delivery to classrooms in time for the opening of School Year 2025–2026.
“We will exhaust all means to sustain these programs, ensuring that the education of our learners is not disrupted,” Angara said.
“DepEd will maximize its existing budget, engage with current and new partners, and absorb key components of these projects,” he added.
Affected programs
DepEd noted that the affected initiatives—each playing a vital role in its 5-Point Reform Agenda—include ABC+, which enhances early-grade literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning; ILO-Ph, which strengthens the comprehensive assessment framework and policies, and Gabay, which provides specialized support for learners with special needs.
Meanwhile, the ALS Tracer Study and Opportunity 2.0 programs are set for completion in February 2025. DepEd said it is working to ensure their objectives remain on track.
Meanwhile, DepEd expressed hope that, given the longstanding education partnership between the Philippines and the U.S., measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the project suspension.
“We recognize the tremendous impact of USAID’s contributions to Philippine education,” Angara said. “While we await the resolution of this suspension, DepEd will move forward and ensure that PBBM’s reforms in education remain on track,” he added.
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