DepEd seeks stronger private sector ties to support education reforms

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday called for stronger collaboration between the government and private-sector partners to expand access to quality education and support ongoing reforms in the country’s basic education system.

Speaking during the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Partners’ Appreciation Program in Mandaluyong City, Angara said long-term partnerships remain critical in addressing learning gaps, improving school resources, and helping Filipino learners and teachers adapt to changing educational needs.

The event brought together more than 200 government partners, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and private companies supporting the department's various education initiatives.

“Our partnership with each one of you is a continuous crossing. It meets the learner in doubt, the teacher in transition, and the community in need,” Angara said.

“Indeed, education is a shared mission. And nation-building begins when we choose to work together,” he added.

DepEd said the initiative highlighted how public-private partnerships can help improve learning outcomes, widen access to educational opportunities, and equip learners with skills needed for employment and long-term economic mobility.

Under the theme “Partnerships that endure. Reforms that last,” the program also recognized organizations that have maintained partnerships with DepEd for at least 25 years.

Among those recognized were the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Aboitiz Foundation, Ayala Foundation, SM Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Knowledge Channel Foundation, among others.

Angara said partnerships become especially important in addressing resource shortages in underserved and geographically isolated communities.

He cited examples of partner-supported initiatives, including STEM tutorial programs for struggling learners, digital classroom projects that improved student engagement, and classroom construction efforts in remote communities.

“Kapag nagkakaisa ang pamahalaan, pribadong sektor, komunidad, at mamamayan– walang pangarap na imposibleng maabot (When government, the private sector, communities, and citizens unite, no dream is impossible to achieve),” Angara said.

DepEd said it aims to align private sector programs more closely with the department’s reform priorities to help ensure that collaborative initiatives contribute directly to improving education access and quality nationwide. —LDF, GMA News