Education reform group urges DepEd to focus on marginalized learners

MANILA, Philippines — A network of civil society organizations has called on newly appointed Education Secretary Sen. Sonny Angara to prioritize the marginalized and out-of-school learners to ensure all Filipinos have fair access to education.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Civil Society Network for Education Reforms, or E-Net Philippines, said that this can be done by strengthening distance learning initiatives and building community learning centers or mobile schools.

It also noted that the swift issuance of pending Implementing Rules and Regulations and of Republic Act 11650, or Inclusive Education for Learners with Disabilities, will make sure that no learner from the vulnerable sector is left behind.

“Furthermore, we strongly recommend that the Department of Education (DepEd) allocate sufficient resources to protect and strengthen the public school system. This includes improvements in infrastructure and facilities, [the] hiring of teaching and non-teaching staff, addressing teacher training and welfare, and supporting learners in all learning pathways,” the group said.

For E-Net Philippines, Angara’s appointment is a “pivotal opportunity” to transform the sector, which can be achieved through more collaboration between the DepEd and all its stakeholders.

“Only through such cooperation can we effectively address the persisting issues of access, equity, inclusion, and quality in education,” it said.

Angara will assume the top DepEd post on July 19.

“The DepEd community looks forward to working with the new leadership as we continue our relentless pursuit towards improving the quality of basic education in the country,” DepEd said in a statement.