Angara, who heads the Department of Education (DepEd), joined the panel discussion titled “Powering Growth through Public-Private Partnership,” where government officials, business leaders, and policy experts examined how stronger collaboration can accelerate infrastructure development and improve public services, including education.
PPPs seen as key to solving education gaps
During the forum, Angara emphasized that PPPs can help address long-standing challenges in the education sector, particularly classroom shortages, inadequate school infrastructure, and limited access to quality learning resources.
"This administration clearly sends the message that it wants to work with the private sector," Angara said.
He noted that partnerships with private sector stakeholders can mobilize additional funding, technical expertise, and innovation to support the construction of classrooms, digital infrastructure, and modern learning facilities nationwide.
DepEd has been actively strengthening collaboration with private partners and local governments to fast-track school building and modernization efforts, especially as student enrollment continues to grow nationwide.
Aligning education with ASEAN economic priorities
The ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum 2026 serves as the kickoff event for business and investment initiatives under the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Angara’s participation underscores DepEd’s role in aligning education with broader economic objectives, recognizing that a well-educated and skilled workforce is crucial to sustaining economic growth and enhancing regional competitiveness.
Forum discussions focused on how PPPs can close infrastructure gaps, improve service delivery, and foster innovation—key priorities as the Philippines advances its ASEAN 2026 economic agenda.
Strengthening collaboration for learners’ future
DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to working with private sector partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure education remains a key pillar of national and regional development.
"I think another change that President Marcos has initiated is that we want human development and human infrastructure at the core of the PPPs," Angara said.
Through sustained partnerships and investments, the agency aims to provide better learning environments and equip Filipino learners with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy while supporting the country’s long-term growth and ASEAN commitments.