The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, February 3, announced it is deepening partnerships with the Church and civil society organizations to ensure underserved learners—those affected by poverty, mobility challenges, and low retention—gain access to quality education.

Speaking at the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly of Caritas Philippines in Tagaytay City, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that placing learners at the center of education reform requires sustained community engagement and close attention to the realities faced by students and teachers, especially in underserved areas.

“We take our inspiration from all of you,” Angara said. “Your stories and successes drive us toward meaningful reforms,” he added, noting that partnerships help government programs respond to local challenges, from hunger affecting learning outcomes to learners needing flexible pathways back to school.

Angara highlighted DepEd’s collaboration with Caritas Philippines’ network of 86 diocesan social action centers to expand the reach of critical DepEd programs such as the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), learning recovery initiatives, and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for out-of-school youth and marginalized learners.

As part of efforts to link nutrition and learning, the school-based feeding program has been expanded to cover all Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners nationwide.

Angara also noted the scale-up of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which provides structured tutoring and remediation to support learners recovering from pandemic-related disruptions. Community and church-based groups can complement government efforts through volunteer tutoring, mentoring, and local learning initiatives, particularly in areas with limited formal support.

The Alternative Learning System remains a key entry point for out-of-school youth, working adults, and other marginalized learners seeking a second chance at education. Faith-based institutions, including church-led community learning centers, are helping learners return to education through flexible, trust-based approaches tailored to local needs.

Angara stressed that supporting teachers is central to DepEd’s reform agenda, with initiatives aimed at reducing administrative tasks, expanding welfare support, and empowering thousands of educators.

Cabinet members Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, alongside church leaders and civil society representatives, attended the assembly, which focused on strengthening partnerships to improve service delivery across social sectors.

Angara also thanked the Society of Jesus Educational Apostolate (SJEA), which unites Jesuit schools and universities nationwide, for supporting the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and its education reform agenda. He acknowledged that the Jesuit network’s endorsement has helped generate momentum for major policy shifts in Philippine education.

Angara cited the long-standing work of Jesuit schools and other faith-based institutions in local communities, making them vital partners in translating national reforms into real gains for learners, particularly those most at risk of dropping out.

With strengthened partnerships between DepEd, the Church, and civil society, Angara said the government is committed to ensuring that every learner, regardless of circumstance, has access to quality education through effective DepEd programs, the Alternative Learning System, and expanded school-based feeding initiatives.