As the education chief emphasized that reforms require a continuous presence in communities.
Last February 3, Education Secretary Sonny Angara spoke at the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly of Caritas Philippines in Tagaytay City.
During which, he said that the Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening partnerships with the Church and civil society groups to reach out to children from underserved communities.
In his speech Angara also emphasized that like pastoral work, education reform requires a continuous presence in communities and a close focus on the daily realities of students and teachers.
Hence, through a tie-up with Caritas Philippines and its 86 diocesan social action centers nationwide, DepEd says more students will benefit from important programs such as school-based feeding, learning recovery, and Alternative Learning System (ALS)—especially out-of-school youth and other marginalized learners.
He said, “We take our inspiration from all of you. Your stories and successes drive us towards meaningful reforms.”
The secretary noted that these partnerships help programs better respond to real-world situations in the community.
He then mentioned as the expanded School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), which now covers all Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners nationwide. Angara noted that it was done in response to evidence showing that proper nutrition is strongly linked to better learning.
He also cited the expansion of learning recovery through the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which provides structured tutoring and remedial support to millions of students.
According to Angara, community and church-based groups can further support these efforts through volunteer tutoring, mentoring, and local learning initiatives.
The Alternative Learning System (ALS) was also put on the spotlight as a primary pathway for out-of-school youth, working youth, and other marginalized learners seeking a second chance at basic education.
He then lauded the contribution of church-led initiatives, such as community-based learning centers, in helping students return to education through flexible and trust-based means.
Meanwhile, supporting teachers also remains at the center of DepEd’s reform, with measures to reduce administrative requirements, expand welfare support, and promote thousands of teachers already in place.
Angara also thanked the Society of Jesus Educational Apostolate (SJEA), a coalition of Jesuit schools and universities nationwide, for its support of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and education reform.