DepEd launches digital platform to connect donors with public schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday launched a digital platform aimed at making it easier for private companies, civic organizations, and donors to support public schools through the government’s Adopt-A-School Program (ASP).

Launched during the Visayas leg of the department's nationwide ASP roadshow in Bacolod City, the platform serves as a digital gateway that connects private sector partners with public schools in need of support.

According to DepEd, the platform offers project matching, donation tracking, and information on tax incentives available under Republic Act 8525, or the Adopt-A-School Act of 1998, and related Bureau of Internal Revenue regulations.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative seeks to make private sector participation in education more accessible and transparent.

“Marami sa ating mga kababayan at sa private sector ang gustong tumulong sa ating mga paaralan at mga mag-aaral. Ang kailangan lang natin ay bigyan sila ng mas mabilis at mas malinaw na sistema para maging kabahagi ng pagbabago,” Angara said.

(Many of our fellow Filipinos and members of the private sector want to help our schools and students. What we need is to provide them with a faster and clearer system so they can become partners in driving change.)

DepEd said the platform is also linked to an expanded Adopt-A-School Program Menu of Investments, which identifies priority areas where private sector support is needed. These include classroom and learning space infrastructure, safe schools initiatives, and work immersion programs for senior high school students.

The investment menu aligns with the department’s Five-Point Reform Agenda and recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), according to DepEd.

Representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also presented their respective investment menus during the launch to encourage collaboration across the education sector.

DepEd said it currently has 192 active partner organizations supporting education initiatives nationwide. –VBL, GMA News