EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara yesterday assured the public that the Department of Education is working hard to provide quality basic education to ensure that every Filipino child will have an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Angara made the assurance in his message to graduates of School Year 2024-2025, saying this year’s graduation theme, “Henerasyon ng Pagkakaisa: Kaagapay ng Bagong Pilipinas,” underscored the DepEd’s overall efforts to strengthen the basic education sector and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
He said the DepEd’s Five-Point Reform Agenda will address classroom shortage, strengthen its workforce by filling up critical personnel, accelerate digitalization, enrich career pathways, and implement policies that lead to lasting systemic improvements.
Earlier, Angara said DepEd is eyeing Public-Private Partnership and the Adopt-a-School program to address the perennial problem of classroom shortage in the country’s public schools.
The DepEd previously said the classroom shortage stands at around 159,000 nationwide.
The classroom shortage led some schools in highly congested areas in Metro Manila, Cebu City and parts of Calabarzon to implement three shifts of classes every day.
The department earlier said that 89 percent of its funding of P32 billion for the computerization program from 2022 to 2024 has been obligated as of November 2024.
However, Angara said beyond numbers, the DepEd is working to ensure the education sector is ready to cater to the needs of every Filipino and provide them with quality learning.
“Beyond solving existing challenges, we are also spearheading the groundwork for a future-ready education system. Our goal is not just about an uptick in numbers. Our goal is for every Filipino child, no matter where they are, to have the opportunity for learning, growth and success,” Angara said in his messages.
“To our graduates and completers of the school year 2024-2025, congratulations. You are the generation that binds us all together. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, bring with you the values of perseverance, resourcefulness and compassion that defines us as Filipinos,” he added.
Angara also commended the teachers and school staff for their hard work and dedication to their work despite many challenges, as well as the parents and guardians.
“To parents and guardians, your support at home shapes the aspirations of our learners and inspires them to strive for more,” he added.
The DepEd chief said the department, under his watch, remains committed to raising the quality of basic education, strengthening governance and enabling the youth to reach their full potential.
“With an unyielding commitment to equity, we will build a stronger, more inclusive education system for generations to come,” he added.
